. At
3.15 made two miles and three-quarters west by north to our outward
tracks, and also a great number of emu tracks, from which we concluded
that water existed in the neighbouring creeks. At 3.50 made one mile and
a half west-south-west to Burrows Creek. At 4.5 made half a mile
north-east where we had to proceed without our packhorse down the creek a
considerable distance without noting the distance, as I was too thirsty.
As the birds were very numerous here, we were convinced that we were near
water. The continual noise they made was more tantalising than can well
be conceived: it sounded to us like, "We know where there is water, but
you foolish fellows cannot find it." About one mile further down the
creek we came upon a hole very recently dry, in the bottom of which we
dug with a pointed stick, clearing away with our hands to the depth of
two feet. We found muddy water, with which we quenched our thirsts and
gave the horses a few quarts of it. Having hobbled our tired horses we
started upon foot to look for water. We went up the creek a mile to where
it is joined by another branch; this we followed up for about two miles,
and found a hole with a few gallons of water in it. In about a mile we
crossed over to where we had left the packhorse, which we found after a
prolonged search. At 12.10 a.m. made half a mile north-east down Burrows
Creek to the junction of Pratt Creek. At 1 one mile and three-quarters
north to our well. At 1.25 started to take the horses to the water. At 3
two miles and a quarter south by west to the water previously found; and
unsaddled our horses. We were twenty-two consecutive hours, more or less,
engaged, during which time Jemmy never showed any signs of fatigue, or
unwillingness to proceed.

Wednesday December 11th.

Jemmy and I started to follow up the creek to camp. At 10.20 made four
miles up the creek to where we found just sufficient water to quench the
thirst of the horses, and after delaying for that purpose we started
again at 10.50 a.m. At 11.20 made one mile to the best pond of water that
we have seen either up or down the creek. One of the horses was so fagged
that we delayed in consequence till 12.35. At 12.50 made half a mile up
the creek to opposite junction (or main) one-eighth of a mile to opposite
junction of another creek. At 2.27 made three miles up the creek to Camp
17, where we were glad to find from Mr. Campbell that he had quite
recovered from his illness.

Thursd