CH. VIII.] SCARCITY OF WATER. 323 



grass, growing in all the hollow parts, some rain having re- 

 cently fallen there. We encamped on our old ground at 

 Walwadyer. 



Sept. 1. — The natives whom we last met with, and had 

 entertained at our camp, with a view to obtain their 

 assistance in finding water, at the end of this day's journey, 

 took to their heels exactly when the carts started this morn- 

 ing; carrying off with them a little native boy, an orphan, 

 whom we had washed, scrubbed, dressed, and carried on a 

 cart, meaning to take him with us to the colony. We 

 proceeded as far as our next camp, called Bugabada, where, 

 finding some water, I halted, until I could ascertain the 

 distance to the next pool. For this purpose, I sent a party 

 to Cudduldury with directions to meet Mr. Larmer, (who 

 had been instructed to rejoin the party at that place this day), 

 and to let him know, where we were. They returned at 

 sun-set, without having either found water or seen Mr. Lar- 

 mer. As I knew the Bogan was dry for many miles above 

 Cudduldury, I made arrangements for carrying on a supply 

 next day, that we might proceed to some ponds on this river, 

 distant about twenty-five miles. Still it was impossible for 

 the party to reach that point in one day, and the water we 

 could carry would not be enough for our cattle. At nine 

 p. M., however, distant thunder was heard, the sky became 

 overcast and several smart showers fell during the night, 

 thus affording most providentially, a prospect of dew on the 

 followino' nio-ht, which would refresh the horses and bullocks. 



Sept. 2. — Two natives came towards our camp, having 

 hideous countenances, and being savagely painted with 

 crimson on the abdomen and right shoulder; the nose and 

 cheek-bones were also gules, and some blazing spots were 

 daubed, like drops of gore, on the brow. The most ferocious- 

 looking wore round his brow, the usual band newly whitened. 

 He, like all those more savage natives, had neither a word 

 nor even a smile for us. The other, my men recognized to be 

 Werrajouit, the native who formerly had in his possession, the 



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