According to native custom however they of right, upon their husband's death, became the wives of Miago.
On approaching the point where Mulligo was lying, distant about a mile from Perth, I found that my anticipations were correct.

I fell in with the encampment of the friends of a native named Bennyyowlee, of the Tdondarup family.

This native had signified his intention of asserting his claims to the possession of one of these young women, and even some of Miago's friends were disposed to favour him.

Bennyyowlee was absent at the Canning River with a party of natives for the purpose of procuring spears, and thus preparing himself for coming events.

His friends however had constructed their huts within a few hundred yards of those of Mulligo's relatives, so that in the event of the arrival of the Murraymen, who they were apprehensive would make an attempt to carry off Mulligo's wives, they might be able to assist Miago in his endeavours to prevent such an outrage, whilst at the same time their proximity to his party enabled them to see that no foul play took place.
As I passed them they endeavoured to impress upon my mind that one wife was enough for Miago, and that if he surrendered the other to Bennyyowlee they would assist him against the Murraymen.