down the creek, where we left it, as its course was contrary to the
direction of the camp. At 9.50 made one mile and a quarter
west-south-west to another small creek, which we also resolved to follow
down a short distance in search of water. At 10.12 made one mile south
down the creek. Crossed our old tracks. At 10.27 made half a mile
south-east. Left the creek. At 10.53 made one mile west-south-west. At
11.3 made half a mile south-west to creek, which we also searched. At
11.35 made one mile south-south-east down creek, and then left it; no
appearance of water, which we very much wanted. At 1 p.m. made two miles
south by west. At 2 made two miles and three-quarters west half north
where we gave our horses each two quarts of water from our leathern
bottles, and changed saddles so that Jemmy could ride the packhorse, as
the one that he had been riding was not able to carry him any further. At
3.15 made two miles and three-quarters west by north to our outward
tracks, and also a great number of emu tracks, from which we concluded
that water existed in the neighbouring creeks. At 3.50 made one mile and
a half west-south-west to Burrows Creek. At 4.5 made half a mile
north-east where we had to proceed without our packhorse down the creek a
considerable distance without noting the distance, as I was too thirsty.
As the birds were very numerous here, we were convinced that we were near
water. The continual noise they made was more tantalising than can well
be conceived: it sounded to us like, "We know where there is water, but
you foolish fellows cannot find it." About one mile further down the
creek we came upon a hole very recently dry, in the bottom of which we
dug with a pointed stick, clearing away with our hands to the depth of
two feet. We found muddy water, with which we quenched our thirsts and
gave the horses a few quarts of it. Having hobbled our tired horses we
started upon foot to look for water. We went up the creek a mile to where
it is joined by another branch; this we followed up for about two miles,
and found a hole with a few gallons of water in it. In about a mile we