The horses — ascend¹ the hills — irresolution² and retreat — horses reduced to great want — unexpected relief — try the desert to the N.e. — find water in our last well — reach the creek³ — proceed to the eastward⁴ — plague of flies and ants — surprise an old man — sea-gulls and pelicans⁵ — fish — pool of brine — meet natives — turn to the N.e. — Cooper’s Creek tribe, their kindness and appearance — attempt to cross the plains — turn back — proceed to the northward⁶ — effects of refraction — find natives at our old camp and the stores untouched — Cooper’s Creek, its geographical⁷ position.

I had taken all the horses, with the exception of one, out with me on this journey, and as they will shortly bear a prominent part in this narrative⁸, I will make some mention of them. My own horse was a grey — for which reason I called him Duncan — I had ridden him during the whole period of my wanderings, and think I never saw an animal that could endure more, or suffered less from the want of water; he was aged⁹, and a proof, that in the brute¹⁰ creation as well as with mankind, years give a certain stamina¹¹ that youth does not possess. This animal, as the reader will believe, knew me well, as indeed did all the horses, for I had stood by to see them watered many a time. Mr. Stuart rode Mr. Browne’s horse, a little animal, but one of great endurance also; Mack used a horse we called the Roan, a hunter that had been Mr. Poole’s. Morgan rode poor Punch, whose name I have before had occasion to mention, and who, notwithstanding subsequent rest, had not recovered from the

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