It
was evident, indeed, that the heat was fast increasing, and what we had
already experienced was only an earnest of that which was to follow.
Mr. Poole had now been absent thirteen days, and I began to be anxious
for his return. Our march to the second creek had again shortened his
homeward journey 70 miles, and as I felt assured he would cross the creek
at the point where we had dug the well, I stuck a pole up in it, with
instructions, and on the 2nd December he rode into the camp with Mr.
Browne, both much fatigued, as well as their horses. I had been engaged
the greater part of the day fixing the points for another base line, as I
was fearful that the angles of our first were too acute, and found that
the party had got back on my return to the camp.
Mr. Poole informed me that as soon as the weather cleared, after leaving
me on the range, he had pushed on. That on the 24th he left my cart
tracks as they turned to the N.W., and continued the N.N.W. course as I
had directed. On that day he encamped early at a good water-hole, as the
horses had travelled fast; the country thereabouts had become more open,
but water was exceedingly scarce. On this day he ascended a small
sandstone hill, from which some high peaks on the range bore S.S.E.
On the 26th he had not advanced 10 miles, when the pack-horse fell
exhausted by heat. Mr. Poole then consulted with Mr.
Pages:
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217