In the afternoon Mr.Roe walked along the beach with his gun in quest of birds: on his way he met Mr.Hunter returning from a walk in which he had encountered no recent signs of the Indians.

This information emboldened Mr.Roe to wander farther than was prudent, and in the mean time Mr.
Hunter returned to our party in order to go on board; he had however scarcely reached our station when the report of a musket and Mr.Roe's distant shouting were heard.

The people immediately seized their arms and hastened to his relief and by this prompt conduct probably saved his life.
It appeared that, after parting from Mr.Hunter, he left the beach and pursued his walk among the trees; he had not proceeded more than fifty yards when he fired at a bird: he was cautious enough to reload before he moved from the spot in search of his game, but this was scarcely done before a boomerang* whizzed past his head, and struck a tree close by with great force.

Upon looking round towards the verge of the cliff, which was about twenty yards off, he saw several natives; who upon finding they were discovered set up a loud and savage yell, and threw another boomerang and several spears at him, all of which providentially missed.

Emboldened by their numbers and by his apparent defenceless situation, they were following up the attack by a nearer approach, when he fired amongst them, and for a moment stopped their advance.