Billy explained the Aboriginal concept of time. Even now many tribes follow their own rhythm, something a non-native might think is a total lack of concern for the passing hours and days. To understand this, he said to look not only at cultural differences but the weather.

The extreme heat of summer doesn't encourage vigorous activity. In fact, Aborigines tend to think white men are crazy to rush around in the middle of the day.

"You won't see any tribal people that silly," he said. "They have a siesta in the shade for a few hours and labor in the evening. And they don't just sit there while it's hot. The oral tradition is strong. They teach the young, pass along Dreamtime stories or trade news."

He talked about a film producer who asked him to round up some of the locals so he could record them dancing. They came, all right, but hours late. They sat on the ground and chanted and sang to warm up before the performance. And that went on for almost four hours.

That producer eventually shot his footage, all three minutes of it. He was out of his head with anger. Billy told him that if he wanted to see some lively dancing he'd better take his camera north or out to Queensland where the vegetation's thick. Tribes in the central region worked too hard to survive to waste energy on elaborate celebrations.