It was beautiful to observe the
sledges racing to the same object, the dogs and men in full cry, and
the vehicles splashing through the water with the velocity of rival
stage-coaches.
"We were joyfully welcomed to the dwelling of Ooyarra, whose guest I
was now to become, and the place of honour, the deerskin seat, was
cleared for my reception. His two wives, _K~ai-m=o=o-khi~ak_
and _Aw~a-r=un-n~i_ occupied one end, for it was a double
tent; while at the opposite extremity the parents of the senior wife
were established. The old mother N=ow-k~it-y~oo assisted the
young woman in pulling off our wet clothes and boots, which latter
being of native manufacture, she new-soled and mended without any
request on our side, considering us as a part of the family. Dunn
slept in the little tent to watch our goods, and I had a small
portion of Ooyarra's screened off for me by a seal's skin. My host
and his wives having retired to another tent, and my visitors taking
compassion on me, I went comfortably to sleep; but at midnight was
awakened by a feeling of great warmth, and, to my surprise, found
myself covered by a large deerskin, under which lay my friend, his
two wives, and their favourite puppy, all fast asleep and stark
naked.
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