Before we left the Depot Flood's prediction was confirmed, and the
channel which, if the drought had continued a few days longer, would have
been perfectly waterless, was thus suddenly filled up to the brim; no
stronger instance of the force of waters in these regions can be adduced
than this, no better illustration of the character of the creeks can be
given. The head of the Depot creek was not more than eight miles from us,
its course to its junction with the main creek was not ten, yet it was a
watercourse that without being aware of its commencement or termination
might have been laid down by the traveller as a river. Such however is
the uncertain nature of the rivers of those parts of the continent of
Australia over which I have wandered. I would not trust the largest
farther than the range of vision; they are deceptive all of them, the
offsprings of heavy rains, and dependent entirely on local circumstances
for their appearance and existence.
Having taken all our circumstances into consideration, our heart-breaking
detention, the uncertainty that involved our future proceedings, and the
ceaseless anxiety of mind to which we should be subjected, recollecting
also that Mr. Browne had joined me for a limited period only, and that a
protracted journey might injure his future prospects, I felt that it was
incumbent on me to give him the option of returning with Mr.
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