and we saw about 200 of them--more rather than under that number, and
looking remarkably healthy. Camped, surrounded by them on all sides
except the lake side about 300 yards off. One of the camels got bogged
and narrowly escaped. We kept watch and watch during the night, sending
the native who was with us to camp with the blacks, who gave us some
fish.

Saturday, October 12.

Up early and returned to camp. Found it deserted in consequence of
instructions given to Mr. Hodgkinson previous to departure--that he was
to examine the creek southward; and in the event of his finding good feed
and water (which at the camp were both indifferent) to remove the camp at
once, which he found, and consequently removed, leaving me a memo at an
appointed place of his distance and direction, which was about one and a
half miles south and west. Two of the working bullocks got off during my
absence, and before they were overtaken by the blackfellow (Frank) on
horseback, they had got down south as far as Lake Hope; so he reported on
arrival.

Sunday, October 13.

Today I started Palmer and Jack on horseback to look after Frank and the
bullocks, when they met with the bullocks coming back on their tracks;
preparing for a start tomorrow, carrying a supply of water; name of our
present camp, a fine long sheet of water, Wankadunnie; bears 220 degrees
from the camp retreated from.

Monday, October 14.