invaluable in conflict.

The personalities of the party were reduced to a minimum, and what
was supposed to be absolutely necessary, one pack (the mule's) being
devoted to odds and ends, or what are termed in bush parlance,
'manavlins'. Three light tents only were carried, more for
protecting the stores than for shelter for the party.

All were in excellent health, and good spirits, and eager to make a start.



CHAPTER II.

Start from Carpentaria Downs--Order of Travel--Canal Creek--
Cawana Swamp--Simons' Gap--Cowderoy's Bluff--Barney's Nob--
Casualties in Parallel Creek--Basaltic Wall--Singular Fish--
Black Carbonado--Improvement in Country--Search for the Lynd--
Doubts--First rain--Error of Starting point--Large ant-hills--
Ship's iron found--Native nets--Second start in search of Lynd--
Return--Byerley Creek--The whole party moves forward--Belle
Creek--Maroon Creek--Cockburn Creek--Short Commons--Camp
Burned--The Powder saved--Maramie Creek--The Staaten--First
hostility of Natives--Poison--"Marion" abandoned--Conclusion as
to River--Heavy rain--First attack of Natives--Horses lost--
Barren Country--Detention--Leader attacked by Natives--
Black-boy attacked--A "growl"--Mosquitoes and flies--Kites--
Cattle missing--Horses found--Leader again attacked--Main party
attacked--Return to the River--Character of Staaten--Lagoon
Creek--Tea-tree levels--Junction of Maramie Creek--Reach head