The principal object I had in view during the excursion I was then employed upon, was if possible to find a proper position to which the party might move; for I foresaw that my absence would be frequent and uncertain, and although my men were very well disposed towards the natives, I was anxious to prevent the chance of collision or misunderstanding.  I had now found such a position, for on examining the water-hole I felt satisfied that it might be depended upon for ten days or a fortnight, whilst the grass in its neighbourhood although dry was abundant.  Wishing, however, to penetrate the ranges by the gap through which the creek issued from them, I still thought it advisable to prosecute my intended journey up it.  Accordingly on the 24th we mounted our horses and rode towards the hills.  A little above where we had slept we passed a small junction from the westward, and at 7 miles entered the gap, the Coonbaralba, on the bearing of which we had run across the plains, being on our right.  We had already passed several small water-holes, but at the entrance of the gap passed some larger ones in which the water was brackish, and these had the appearance of being permanent.  Topar had shewn much indignation at our going on, and constantly remonstrated with us as we were riding along; however, we saw two young native dogs about a third grown, after which he bounded with incredible swiftness, but when they saw him they started off also.  It was soon evident, that both were doomed to destruction, his speed being greater that that of the young brutes, for he rapidly gained upon them.  The moment he got within reach of the hindmost he threw a stick which he had seized while running, with unerring precision, and striking it full in the ribs stretched it on the ground.  As he passed the animal he gave it a blow on the head with another stick, and bounding on after the other was soon out of our sight.  All we knew further of the chase, was, that before we reached the spot where his first prize lay, he was returning to us with its companion.  As soon as he had secured his prey he sat down to take out their entrails, a point in which the natives are very particular.  He was careful in securing the little fat they had about the kidneys, with which he rubbed his body all over, and having finished this operation he filled their insides with grass and secured them with skewers.  This done he put them on the cart, and we proceeded up the pass, at the head of which we arrived sooner than I expected.  We then found ourselves at the commencement of a large plain.  The hills we had ascended the day before trended to the north, and there was a small detached range running perpendicular to them on our right.  To the south there were different points, apparently the terminations of parallel ranges, and westward an unbroken line of hills.  The creek seemed to trend to the S.W., and in that direction I determined to follow it, but Topar earnestly entreated us not to do so.  He was in great consternation;