elled down the creek on which the cattle were camped for six
miles west, when he reached some large marine plains and downs, so
large, that though they ascended a high tree they could see nothing
between them and the horizon; they were grassed only with spinifex
"and other rubbish." They came on to Lucifer's tracks about 25 miles
from the camp, and found the place where he had been drinking the
salt water and lying down. From thence they followed his tracks for
15 miles through the tea-tree levels, and camped without water, after
having travelled, walking and riding, over between 40 or 50 miles of
the most miserable and desolate country imaginable, without finding
any fit to drink. Meanwhile Alexander Jardine took another cast to
find water and have a look at the coast. He also saw the Marine
Plains, and found them utterly waterless. This decided the question
of the coast-line route.

'December' 11.--At daylight Mr. Jardine and Eulah again got on to
Lucifer's tracks, but the ground was so hard that they had to run
them on foot and lead their horses. At sun-down they hit camp 33 on
the river, having made only about 20 miles in a straight line. Here
they had a good drink. The water was rather brackish, but after two
days travelling over a parched and arid country, almost anything
would have been acceptable. They turned out and whilst trying to
catch something for their suppers, they saw Lucifer standing within
thirty yards of where their horses were feeding, but the moment he
caught sight of them he again galloped away. Mr. Jardine immediately
jumped on his horse and brought him back to Eulah's, but to no
purpose, for he galloped past without taking the least notice of him,
and as it was now dark they had to let him go. Alexander Jardine
spent the day in searching for water, and was fortunate enough to hit
on a permanent water hole, in a small creek, eight miles N.N.W. from
the camp. This discovery was like a ray of sunshine promising to
help them on their way. At night Sambo and Barney returned, but
without the mule.

'December' 12.--Lucifer was again followed till mid-day. From the
time that he had left their camp last night he had galloped for 13
miles without stopping, and when found he was quite white with sweat.
It was quite evident that he was perfectly mad from the effects of
the salt water, so that Mr. Jardine decided to abandon him without
wasting more horse-flesh. He turned therefore to look fo