OF THE PROVISION PARTY. 
Ill 
The body of reeds was still on fire ; and the light embers 
were carried to an amazing distance by the wind, falling 
like a black-shower around us. As we knew that the natives 
never made such extensive conflagration, unless they had 
some mischievous object in view, our apprehension for the 
safety of Riley, with his supplies, was increased. 
At the earliest dawn, we pushed for the hill. In passing 
that part of the meadows under Mount Foster, we observed 
that the grass had also been consumed, and we scarcely 
recognized the ground from its altered appearance. As we 
approached Mount Harris, we saw recent traces of cattle, 
but none were visible on the plains. Under the hill, how- 
ever, we could distinctly see that a hut of some kind had 
been erected, and it is impossible for me to describe the 
relief we felt when a soldier came forward to reconnoitre us. 
I could no longer doubt the safety of the party, and this 
was confirmed by the rest of the men turning out to wel- 
come us. It appeared that our suspicions with regard to 
the natives had not been without foundation, since they 
attempted to surprise the camp, and it was supposed the 
firing the marshes was done with a view to collect the 
distant tribes, to make a second attack. ; so that our arrival 
was most opportune. 
The party I found awaiting our arrival at Mount Harris 
consisted of one soldier, Riley, who had the charge of the 
supplies, and a drayman. They had found the paper 1 had 
fixed against the tree, and also the letters I had hid, and had 
forwarded them to Sydney, by another soldier and a prisoner ; 
