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Banfield, E. J. (Edmund James), 1852-1923

"Confessions of a Beachcomber"

He fright.
He think subpose he corrobboree blenty debil-debil no come up."
ORIGIN OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS
Blacks are students of natural events. The winds have their specific
titles, and they catalogue all the brighter and more conspicuous stars
and planets, while their astronomical legends are quaint and
entertaining.
According to Mickie, the Southern Cross is of earthly origin. He thus
"repeats the story of its birth."
"You see that fella. That one me call 'em dooey-dooey--all a same
shubel-nose shark, like that fella you bin shoot longa lagoon. Two
fella, more big, come close up behind dooey-dooey, two fella black boy.
Black boys bin fishing alonga reef close up alonga where red mark,
alonga Cape Marlow--you know. They bin sit down alonga canoe. Bi'mby
spear 'em that dooey-dooey--beeg fella, my word! That dooey-dooey when
catch 'em spear he go down quick, come up under canoe capsize 'em. Two
fella boy swim about long time by that reef; no catch 'em that canoe.
Swim; swim l-o-n-g way; no catch 'em beach; go outside; follow canoe all
time. One fella say--'Brother, where we now?' 'Long way yet. Swim more
far, brother.' Bi'mby two fella talk--'Where now, brother?' 'Long way
outside.


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