Aborigines of Van Diemen's Land, 1830-1840 - Page 275
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[Page 275]
the boy had been presented with a flask of powder for bird shooting, in the presence of the native, he found the lad alone, and said "Me want powder - me no want you give - me got money" upon which he produced three half-pennies, with a great degree of conesequence, which seem it is evident he had been hiding for a length of time. The boy gave him a little stock and said "Me no take black man's money". The black stared, and was for a long time incredulous, exclaiming at last "white man want no money?" Upon this he exhibited signs of extremely pleasure, and went away with his money and his powder. Well might he express astonishment at the circumstances of a Vandemonian white man refusing money!! It is clear that he could have no conception of the distinction of different coins, he thought himself possessed of a treasure.