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Camped by the edge of a billabong or waterhole where there was plenty of ducks. They shot two
and I shot a curlew with my rifle so the three birds gave us dinner. Our black
visitors had been at the waterhole fresh down where they had managed to get a couple of good sized turtles.
They had with them three wild ducks poor looking things. After the bird dinners ours and theirs
were concluded they came to our camp and entered into conversation as far as possible. I had taken
trouble to go near them however I believe both parties completely misunderstood each other.
Sid Emanuel got a looking glass and showed some of the old fellows their faces. One old
fellow quickly looked behind it to see if anyone was there or not which seemed to amaze
the others. They talked a great deal about Margaret [?] which some of our fellows make out to be a ship.
In effect all kinds of things are made out of what they see. Having well looked at the map
I find that land to be inspected is just where river begins to run NW then a little to the
E 125 E longitude. The black fellows themselves must
have followed us about nine miles. Plenty of curlews, cockatoos and ducks about
here. Saw emu this morning and would have shot it but for the bad luck to have
wedged a spare cartridge in my rifle which I pulled the trigger upon twice, but it was too late.
It was a cartridge given me two days before by Kilfoyle out of the bag.

[The following paragraph crossed through]
Travelled in all abt. 16 miles along
course of Fitzroy. Ducks & Paddy
Melons for supper. Camped at night
by river bank south side. Could