CHAPTER XVI 
SOUTHERN JOURNEY: THE BARRIER STAGE 
November I. — Last night we heard that Jehu had 
reached Hut Point in about 5^ hours. This morning we 
got away in detachments — Michael, Nobby, Chinaman 
were first to get away about 11 a.m. The little devil 
Christopher was harnessed with the usual difficulty and 
started in kicking mood, Oates holding on for all he was 
worth. 
Bones ambled off gently with Crean, and I led Snippets 
in his wake. Ten minutes after P.O. Evans and Snatcher 
passed at the usual full speed. 
The wind blew very strong at the Razor Back and the 
sky was threatening— the ponies hate the wind. A mile 
south of this island Bowers and Victor passed me, 
leaving me where I best wished to be— at the tail of 
the line. 
About this place I saw that one of the animals ahead 
had stopped and was obstinately refusing to go forward 
again. I had a great fear it was Chinaman, the unknown 
quantity, but to my relief found it was my old friend 
' Nobby ' in obstinate mood. As he is very strong and 
fit the matter was soon adjusted with a little persuasion 
