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after his capture the whole settlement was reduced to a minimum of rations, and we may infer that he fared no better than the Governor himself, who scrupulously took no more than any convict was entitled to. Bennilong, who, we are told, "enjoyed every comfort that it was in His Excellency's power to give him, managed his escape so ingeniously (in May 1790, before the close of the starvation period) that it was not suspected till he had completed it." The native children remained contentedly, but declared that Bennilong would never return; and Phillip seemed to be foiled once more. The natives had nevertheless a keen appreciation of the quality of mastery; and respected dignity. The kindness of a considerate person elicited faithful service, while the roughness of others excited their contempt. They had discovered that Phillip's position was that of a chieftain, and that he was a man of his word.

It happened that (7th Sept.), four months after Bennilong's escape,^[1] the Governor, "who had uniformly directed every undertaking in person since the formation of the colony," went to the South Head to give instructions about the erection of a column there. It was reported by Mr. White that he had just seen Bennilong, who had sent as a present to the Governor a piece of a stranded whale. Thereupon Phillip resorted to Manly Beach, where the whale was lying, and saw not only Bennilong, but Colebe, the native who had been captured with him originally. Though Bennilong appeared much changed by his rustication, he received the Governor politely, and presented several natives to him by name. He promised to return to Sydney in two days. He expressed satisfaction at seeing Collins.

The natives were numerous, the Governor's small party was unarmed, and Phillip was retiring towards his boat by degrees, conversing with Bennilong about presents of hatchets. Bennilong pointed out to him a native by name, to whom Phillip advanced. The stranger made signs of repulsion. Phillip threw down his sword, and moved forward extending cordially both his hands; "the savage not understanding this civility, and perhaps thinking