“Mr. Eyre, visibly and deeply affected, returned his warmest thanks, and expressed his sense of the kindness he had received on the present occasion.  He hoped to be able to plant the flag he had just received in the centre of this continent.  If he failed, he should, he hoped, have the cousciousness of having earnestly endeavoured to succeed.  To His Excellency the Governor, his sincere thanks were due for the promptitude with which so much effectual assistance to the expedition had been rendered.  Mr. Eyre also begged leave to return his thanks to the Colonists who had so liberally supported the enterprise; and concluded by expressing his trust that, through the blessing of God, he would be enabled to return to them with a favourable report of the country into which he was about to penetrate.

“The company then returned to the library and drawing-room, where the Colonial Chaplain, the Rev. C. B. Howard, offered up an affecting and appropriate prayer, and at twelve precisely, Mr. Eyre, accompanied by a very large concourse of gentlemen on horseback, left Government House, under the hearty parting cheers of the assembled party.”

Leaving Government House under the hearty cheers of the very large concourse assembled to witness our departure outside the grounds; Mr. Scott, myself, and two native boys (the drays having previously gone on) proceeded on horseback on our route, accompanied by a large body of gentlemen on horseback, and ladies in carriages, desirous of paying us the last kind tribute of friendship by a farewell escort of a few miles.

At first leaving Government House we had moved on at a gentle canter, but were scarcely outside the gates, before the cheering of the people, the waving of hats, and the rush of so many horses, produced an emulation in the noble steeds that almost took from us the control of their pace, as we dashed over the bridge and up the hill in North Adelaide—­it was a heart-stirring and inspiriting scene.  Carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, our thoughts and feelings were wrought to the highest state of excitement.

The time passed rapidly away, the first few miles were soon travelled over,—­then came the halt,—­the parting,—­the last friendly cheer;—­and we were alone in the wilderness.  Our hearts were too full for conversation, and we wended on our way slowly and in silence to overtake the advance party.

Chapter II.

First night’s encampment with party—­reflections—­arrival at sheep
station—­re-arrangement of loads—­method of carrying fire-arms—­complete
the number of the party—­their names—­move onwards—­valley of the
light—­extensive plains—­head of the Gilbert—­scarcity