264 CARTS BESET BY THIEVISH NATIVES. [CH. VI. 



night. On our way, I had observed, from the hill, a column 

 of smoke rising far in the south-east, as from a similar ridge 

 to that on which I stood. The country to the west and south- 

 west declined so much as to he invisible, beyond a horizon 

 not more than three or four miles distant. 



July 9. — On further examination of the lagoon, it appeared 

 to be a creek extending to the north-east, but at three miles 

 from where we crossed it, in travelling on 256° (from N.), 

 it had a very diminished appearance. We continued over a 

 firm clay surface, on the same bearing, until we came on 

 the Darling. The same natives, whom we had seen, but 

 accompanied by another tribe, as it seemed, overtook the 

 carts on the road, and now accompanied us. They were so 

 covetous, that the progress of the carts was impeded for 

 some time, by the care necessary on the part of the drivers, 

 to prevent these people from stealing. Every thing, no matter 

 what, they were equally disposed to carry oflP. Although 

 W'atched sharply they contrived to filch out articles, and 

 hand them from one to another. Even the little sticks in the 

 horns, which carried grease for the wheels, did not escape 

 their hands ; and the iron pins of the men, who were mea- 

 suring with the chain, were repeatedly seized in their toes 

 and nearly carried off. 



When we reached the stream, they set fire to an old hut, 

 which stood where they saw our carts were likely to pass ; 

 this being intended, no doubt, as a signal to others still be- 

 fore us on the river. Seeing that they were bent on mischief, 

 I proceeded three miles further, and selected the position for 

 the camp with more care than usual. It was not good, but 

 the best I could find ; a slightly rising ground nearly free 

 from trees, surrounded by low soft polygonum fiats, and 

 only half a mile from the river. 



It was evident, that the drauij-ht cattle could not continue 

 this work, until after they had had some repose. This day's 

 journey did not much exceed eight miles, and yet some of 

 the best of the bullocks had lain down on the road. On the 



