ided to camp on the ridge
outside the town without food, and have my breakfast when passing
through in the morning.

I carried L600 worth of cheques in my trousers pocket. This I thought
was the safest place.

I was very pleased when at last I reached Aramac, after bank hours, and
handed the money to Mr. Fulton, the manager of the Queensland National
Bank, and the next morning found only L30 of them dishonoured.

Immediately on my return to Winton, I started for Townsville to load my
two teams with timber and iron to build an hotel. I travelled with
Fitzmaurice's teams to assist them over a dry stage to Rockwood.

We camped close to Oondooroo Station and when bringing the bullocks in
to be yoked in the morning, one of them jumped and tossed his head in
the air, and I then saw a tiger snake disappear in a hole near by. The
bullocks were yoked up, and after going a short distance the off-side
poler of one of the teams dropped dead. On examination, we found two
small punctures in the nose. It was the bullock I had seen jump and
throw up its head.

When we reached Manuka Station there was only one water-hole near the
road. The owner of the station was preserving this for his stock. The
distance to the next water was 20 miles, so it was absolutely necessary
we should obtain a drink for the bullocks before we tackled the long
stage.

I interviewed Mr. Anderson, the owner, and having explained our
position, asked to be allowed a drink for the bullocks. He flatly
declined to allow this.

After about an hour's pleading, he gave his consent subject to the
proviso that the bullocks should be watered in batches of ten at a time,
and so preserve the hole from being puddled. We watered the stock in the
evening, and by travelling all night, managed to reach Rockwood without
mishap. Here I was told I would get water for myself and horses 25 miles
further on.

The next water after that would be 55 miles to Hughenden, on the
Flinders River.

I left the teams to make a long road round Tower Hill, which was a
good-watered route. When I reached the 25-mile, where I was told I would
get water, I found the ground just glassy, the water having evaporated
in the December sun.

Knowing the distance I would have to go without water, I decided to
hobble the horses out on dry grass, and dodged the sun round a tree
until the afternoon, when I saddled up. In about ten miles I passed
Cameron Downs Station, which was deserted. I reached t