a short
distance farther on foot, and in reaching a low range. From its summit he
obtained an extensive but depressing view, such as too often greeted the
explorer at that time and in that part of Australia. Far away to the
north and east, the grey horizon was as level and as uniform as the
placid sea; spinifex everywhere, unbroken by ranges or elevations within
over thirty miles.

He was now worried and perplexed as to the direction of his future
movements. The main party were following up his tracks; but to plunge
unthinkingly into such a desert as lay in front of them were sheer
madness. Fate relented, however, and after much toilsome search Forrest
found a small supply of water, enough for a few days, where he gratefully
awaited the approach of his companions.

During the short respite thus accorded them, a diligent search for water
was made amongst the low ranges, the only alternative being a retreat of
seventy miles. A little more water was found to the south-east, and, as
there was coarse rough grass around the well, it helped to prolong their
rest and afforded more time for further search. This time Alexander
Forrest went ahead, and twenty-five miles further to the eastward found a
spring, which was named after him, the Alexander Springs.

Another scouting excursion to the east was likewise fortunate, as far as
water was concerned, but the feed for the horses was very poor indeed,
and they were suffering greatly. They were now within one hundred miles
of Gosse's furthest point west, but that hundred miles was one long line
of desert perils. Repeated efforts to traverse it only reduced the little
remaining strength in the horses, leading to no discovery of water. But
at length a kindly shower filled some rock holes to the north-east of
their camp, and after much exertion and hardship they reached the old
camp that Giles had named Fort Mueller, and were able to congratulate
themselves upon having been the first to bridge the central gap of desert
that separated the two colonies.

As the course of Forrest's party from Fort Mueller to the telegraph line
was more or less the same as that pursued by Gosse, it is unnecessary to
follow the journal to its end. It is enough to state that on Sunday, the
27th of September, the telegraph line was reached at a point some
distance to the north of the Peake station. Thus safely concluded an
expedition that makes a mark in our geographical history, although it was
accompani