the morning of the 14th the home
returning party mustered to leave us. Mr. Poole felt much when I went to
tell him that the dray in which he was to be conveyed, was ready for his
reception. I did all that I could to render his mind easy on every point,
and allowed him to select the most quiet and steady bullocks for the dray
he was to occupy; together with the most careful driver in the party. I
also consented to his taking Joseph, who was the best man I had, to
attend personally upon him, and Mr. Browne put up for his use all the
little comforts we could spare. I cheered him with the hope of returning
to meet us after we should have terminated our labours, and assured him
that I considered his services on the duty I was about to send him as
valuable and important as if he continued with me. He was lifted on his
stretcher into the dray, and appeared gratified at the manner in which it
had been arranged. I was glad to see that his feelings did not give way
at this painful moment; on my ascending the dray, however, to bid him
adieu, he wept bitterly, but expressed his hope that we should succeed in
our enterprise.

As I knew his mind would be agitated, and that his greatest trial would
be on the first day, I requested Mr. Browne to accompany him, and to
return to me on the following day. On Mr. Poole's departure I prepared
for our own removal, and sent Flood after the horses, but having an
abundance of water everywhere, they had wandered, and he returned with
them too late for me to move. He said, that in crossing the rocky range
he heard a roaring noise, and that on going to the glen he saw the waters
pouring down, foaming and eddying amongst the rocks, adding that he was
sure the floods would be down upon us ere long. An evident proof that
however light the rain appeared to be, an immense quantity must have
fallen, and I could not but hope and believe that it had been general.

Before we left the Depot Flood's prediction was confirmed, and the
channel which, if the drought had continued a few days longer, would have
been perfectly waterless, was thus suddenly filled up to the brim; no
stronger instance of the force of waters in these regions can be adduced
than this, no better illustration of the character of the creeks can be
given. The head of the Depot creek was not more than eight miles from us,
its course to its junction with the main creek was not ten, yet it was a
watercourse that without being aware of its comme