The fact of the natives having crossed the plain confirmed my impression that the creek picked up beyond it, and I determined on the first favourable opportunity to ascertain that fact.  It now, however, only remained for me to place the camp in a more convenient position.  To do this we moved on the 27th, and whilst Mr. Browne led the party across the plains, I rode on ahead with Mr. Poole to select the ground on which to pitch our tents.  At the distance of seven miles we arrived at the entrance of the little rocky glen through which the creek passes, and at once found ourselves on the brink of a fine pond of water, shaded by trees and cliffs.  The scenery was so different from any we had hitherto seen, that I was quite delighted, but the ground being sandy was unfit for us, we therefore turned down the creek towards the long sheet of water Mr. Poole had mentioned, and waited there until the drays arrived, when we pitched our tents close to it, little imagining that we were destined to remain at that lonely spot for six weary months.  We were not then aware that our advance and our retreat were alike cut off.

CHAPTER VI.

The depot—­further progress checked—­character of the ranges—­journey to
the north-east—­return—­journey to the west—­return—­again proceed to the
north—­interview with natives—­arrive at the farthest water—­the party
separates—­progress northwards—­continue to advance—­sufferings of the
horse—­cross the 28th parallel—­rejoin Mr. Stuart—­journey to the
westward—­character of the country—­find two ponds of water—­the grassy
park—­return to the Rang—­excessive heat—­A singular geological
feature—­regain the depot.

As the reader will have learnt from what I have stated at the conclusion of the last chapter, we pitched our tents at the place to which I have led him, and which I shall henceforth call the “Depot,” on the 27th of January, 1845.  They were not struck again until the 17th of July following.

This ruinous detention paralyzed the efforts and enervated the strength of the expedition, by constitutionally affecting both the men and animals, and depriving them of the elasticity and energy with which they commenced their labours.  It was not however until after we had run down every creek in our neighbourhood, and had traversed the country in every direction, that the truth flashed across my mind, and it became evident to me, that we were locked up in the desolate