Notwithstanding the misgivings I had as to the creek, the paths of the natives became wider and wider as we advanced.  They were now as broad as a footpath in England, by a road side, and were well trodden; numerous huts of boughs also lined the creek, so that it was evident we were advancing into a well peopled country, and this circumstance raised my hopes that it would improve.  As, however, our horses had no longer a gallop in them, we found it necessary to keep a sharp look out; although the natives with whom we had communicated, did not appear anxious to leave the place as they generally are to tell the news of our being on the creek to others above us.

On the 31st we started at 7 a.m., and at a mile and a half found ourselves at the termination of the stony ranges to our left.  They fell back to the north, and a larger plain succeeded them.  At two miles we crossed a small tributary, and passed over a stony plain, from which we entered an open box-tree forest extending far away to our left.  At five miles and a half we found ourselves again on the banks of the creek, where it had an upper and a lower channel, that is to say, it had a lower channel for the stream, and an upper one independently of it.  In the lower bed there was a little water, and we therefore stopped for a short time, the day being exceedingly hot.  While here we saw a native at some water a little lower down, mending a net, but did not call to him.  On resuming our journey we kept in the upper channel, and had not ridden very far when we saw a native about 150 yards ahead of us, pulling boughs.  On getting nearer we called out to him, but to no purpose.  At the distance of about 70 yards, we called out again, but still he did not hear, perhaps because of the rustling of the boughs he was breaking down.  At length he bundled them up, and throwing them over his shoulder, turned from us to cross to the lower part of the creek, when suddenly he came bolt up against us.  I cannot describe his horror and amazement,—­down went his branches,—­out went his hands,—­and trembling from head to foot, he began to shout as loud as he could bawl.  On this we pulled up, and I desired Mr. Stuart to dismount and sit down.  This for a time increased the poor fellow’s alarm, for he doubtless mistook man and horse for one animal, and he stretched himself out in absolute astonishment when he saw them separate.  When Mr. Stuart sat down, however, he stood more erect, and he gradually got somewhat composed.  His shouting had brought another black, who had stood afar off, watching the state of affairs, but who now approached.  From these men I tried to gather some information, and my hopes were greatly raised from what passed between us, insomuch that one of the men could not help expressing his hope that we were now near the long sought for inland sea.