‘November’ 19.—­The party followed down parallel with the Staaten, so as to avoid the scrub and broken sandstone gullies on the banks.  They travelled for 11 miles, and camped on one of the lagoons above mentioned.  Their course was somewhat to the south of west, so that they were no nearer to their destination—­an annoying reflection.  In the afternoon some of the party went over to the river to fish.  At this spot it had narrowed to a width of 100 yards, was clear of fallen trees and snags, the water occupying the whole width, but only 5 feet deep.  Up to this time, Frank Jardine had supposed the stream they were on to be the Mitchell, but finding its course so little agreeing with Leichhardt’s description of it, below the junction of the Lynd, which is there said to run N.W., he was inclined to the conclusion that they had not yet reached that river.  Mr. Richardson, on the contrary, remained firm in his opinion that Byerley Creek was the river Lynd, and consequently, that this stream was the Mitchell, nor was it till they reached the head of the tide that he was fully convinced of his error. (See his journal November 18, and December 2.)

‘November’ 20.—­To-day the Leader went forward and chose a good camp, 12 miles on, at some fine lagoons.  The cattle followed, keeping, as usual, back from the river, the interval to which was all scrubby flooded ground, thickly covered with brush and underwood.  They were however unable to reach the camp that night, for when within three miles of it a heavy deluge of rain compelled them to halt, and pitch the tents to protect the rations, all the oilskin coverings that had been provided for the packs having been destroyed in the bonfire, on Guy-Faux Day, at camp No. 16.  They could hardly have been caught in a worse place, being on the side of a scrubby ridge, close to one of the ana-branches of the river.  It would seem that the natives calculated on taking them at a disadvantage, for they chose this spot for an attack, being the first instance in which they attempted open hostility.  Whilst the Brothers were busily engaged in cutting out a “sugar bag,” a little before sundown, they heard an alarm in the camp, and a cry of “here come the niggers.”  Leaving their ‘sweet’ occupation, they re-joined the party, in front of which about 20 blacks were corroboreeing, probably to screw up their courage.  They had craft enough to keep the sun, which was now low, at their backs, and taking advantage of this position sent in a shower of spears, without any of the party—­not even the black-boys —­being aware of it, until they saw them sticking in the ground about them.  No one was hit, but several had very narrow shaves.  The compliment was returned, and as Alexander Jardine describes “‘exeunt’ warriors,” who did not again molest them, although they were heard all around the camp throughout the night. (Camp XXVII.) Course W. Distance 9 miles.  A heavy thunderstorm in the evening.