ONE LOSES HIS SENSES. 
217 
and I began to reproach Robert Harris that he did not move 
down the river to meet us; but, in fact, he was not to blame. 
I became captious, and found fault where there was no 
occasion, and lost the equilibrium of my temper in con- 
templating the condition of my companions. No murmur, 
however, escaped them, nor did a complaint reach me, 
that was intended to indicate that they had done all they 
could do. I frequently heard them in their tent, when they 
thought I had dropped asleep, complaining of severe pains 
and of great exhaustion. “ I must tell the captain, to- 
morrow,” some of them would say, “ that I can pull no 
more.” To-morrow came, and they pulled on, as if reluctant 
to yield to circumstances. Macnamee at length lost his 
senses. We first observed this from his incoherent con- 
versation, but eventually from his manner. He related 
the most extraordinary tales, and fidgetted about eternally 
while in the boat. I felt it necessary, therefore, toielieve 
him from the oars. 
Amidst these distresses, M‘Leay preserved his good 
humour, and endeavoured to lighten the task, and to cheer 
the men as much as possible. His presence at this time 
was a source of great comfort to me. The uniform kindness 
with which he had treated his companions, gave him an 
influence over them now, and it was exerted with the 
happiest effect. 
On the 8th and 9th of April we had heavy rain, but 
there was no respite for us. Our provisions were nearly 
consumed, and would have been wholly exhausted, if we 
