Godfrey had unsuccessfully explored the neighbouring hills, while Breaden and Charlie cleaned out the rockhole with like result.  A very hot, cloudy night did not make things any more pleasant; we were all a bit done, and poor Charlie was seized with a violent and painful vomiting—­a not unusual accompaniment to want of food and water.  It seemed useless to follow the tracks any more, since they led us in exactly the wrong direction; and as we loaded the camels in the morning two turkeys (bustards) flew over us to the North-East.  We would have given something to have their knowledge!  We started, therefore, in this direction, and soon came on other tracks, which after some time we concluded were only those of natives who had been hunting from the rock-hole before the water was finished.

I called a halt, and, sitting on the sand, expounded my views as to the situation.  “We had determined on getting through this country—­that was the main point.  Turning back, even if wise, was not to be considered.  The tracks had fooled us once, and though doubtless by following them we would eventually get some water, where would we be at the end of it?  No further forward.  Therefore, since we had still a drop or two to go on with, let us continue on our course.  None of us have any idea where water is, and by travelling North, East, South, or West, we stood an equally good chance of getting it.  We would therefore go on in our proper direction, and trust to God, Providence, Fate, or Chance, as each might think.  I should feel more satisfied if I knew their opinions agreed with mine, for, whatever the outcome, the responsibility rested on me.”

Breaden answered quietly, “It’s a matter of indifference to me; go where you think best.”  Godfrey’s reply was characteristic, “Don’t care a d—­n; if we are going to peg out we will, whichever way we turn.”  Charlie was inclined at first to question the wisdom of going on, but soon cheerfully agreed to do as the rest.  So on I went, much relieved in mind that I was leading no one against his will.  Possibly I could not—­so far as I know, no occasion arose.

The day was sweltering, the night worse; in any other country one could with safety have backed heavily the fall of a thunderstorm.  We had to be content, where we were, with about three drops of rain; and even this, in spite of tents, flys, and mackintosh-sheets spread for the purpose, we were unable to collect!  Towards dawn the thermometer went down to 40 degrees F. This sudden change was greatly to our advantage, though the sun soon after rising showed his power.  The ridges were now running almost parallel to our course, about North-East, and gave us in consequence little trouble.  Up to this point I had walked all day, partly because one can steer better on foot and I wished to do all the steering, until we picked up the point on Forrest’s route, and so give my companions confidence; and partly because I looked upon it as the leader’s duty to set an example.  To-day I took my turn with the rest, each riding for an hour—­a great relief.  Sand is weary walking and spinifex unpleasant until one’s legs get callous to its spines.