PERILS OF PIONEERING. 165 



an old blanket was supplied us, and we felt happy at 

 the perfect rest we enjoyed. To bathe and dress my 

 wounds took some time, and a good sleep made a won- 

 derful improvement in us. We found we were in a 

 bend of the river Mackenzie, and shut off from the rest 

 of the world by this swollen torrent. Nine days were 

 spent in watching the river subside. During this time 

 our fare was scanty and uncertain. Occasionally a 

 parrot was shot, which made good stew, but maize 

 (carried as horse feed) was our main stay. This we 

 boiled, and became heartily sick of it before our nine 

 days' imprisonment were over. 



One thought haunted me : What has become of my 

 brother ? After seven days' waiting, we rode on horse- 

 back some twelve miles to where a public-house was 

 built on the opposite bank. The river had now retired 

 to its natural channel, and, by shouting across, com- 

 munication was opened up with this grog shanty. I 

 ascertained that a man answering the description of 

 my brother had been found by some stock-riders, and 

 he was now at Columbra station. After much per- 

 suasion I got a man to ride over and inform him of 

 our safety, and of my desire to see him, and appointed 

 this spot for the meeting place next day. Sharp to the 

 minute we met, he on one side of the river and I on 



