272 EXPEDITION INTO 



measure been instrumental to this disastrous state of affairs^ 

 had nevertheless in some deg'ree assisted us in findhig' the 

 remed}' — the pretty Bush-g'irl had informed us that there 

 was a boor's Imbitation about two days journe}^ to the 

 westward of our camp. To that quarter every e^'e had 

 been anxiously turned ; and as another cheerless evening* 

 closed upon uS; unusual columns of dust which arose in the 

 distant horizon^ appeared to be indicative of flocks returning* 

 from pasture. It was therefore resolved that I should set 

 forth immediately in that direction in search of assistance, 

 leaving- Kichardson to proceed to a point agreed upon, at 

 whatever pace six suffering- oxen could ti-ansport our heavy 

 vans ; and that, failing* to discover the former's residence, 

 of which even the existence was extremely uncertain, I 

 should make the best of my way to the Colony, now probably 

 less than one hundred miles distant, whence, having- pro- 

 cured fresh teams, I could return to the relief of the wreck 

 with all practicable expedition. 



