260 
Captain Sturt's Expedition into the 
in view that I employed the men with the chain; and by sup¬ 
plying them with water from the Depot, they were enabled to 
complete thirty miles, on a bearing of 105° from the camp. On 
the 12th the sky darkened over, the wind flew round to the 
N.N.W., and a misty rain fell, and continued for some time. It 
was during this that Mr. Poole was carried from his tent to the 
under ground room. Towards evening the rain ceased, and I 
feared it would pass away ; nor can I describe my feelings at that 
anxious moment. I watched the clouds and saw them break, but 
they closed again; the wind kept to its point, and a steady rain 
set in. For two days it fell with ceaseless regularity. The ground 
became saturated, every hollow filled, and waters were rippling 
down every gully. Now then was the time. How did I not 
thank my God for extending his bounty to us at last! 1 no 
longer hesitated breaking up the camp. I directed the home 
returning party to be prepared on the morning of the 16th. On 
that morning Mr. Poole was lifted into his stretcher, which the 
generous attention and anxiety of Mr. Browne had made com¬ 
fortable. His dray was lined with sheep-skins, and covered with 
blankets. I had given him the choice of the men, and of the 
team that was to draw him, and I hoped he would reach Adelaide 
in safety. The evening before we separated I sent for Mr. 
Browne, and told him that, calling to recollection the conditions 
on which he accompanied me, I was aware how injurious our 
detention had been to him ; that I knew he ought to be on his 
return, to look to his own interest, not about to recommence a 
journey that might terminate as unfortunately as it had com¬ 
menced ; and, therefore, felt it my duty to give him the option 
of returning with Mr. Poole ; but he would not desert me. I then 
begged of him to accompany Mr. Poole the first day, which I 
knew would be his worst, and I was anxious to ascertain how he 
bore movement. About nine o’clock the dray was brought to 
the entrance of the underground room, to which he had so lately 
been removed. Our poor companion was reluctant to be con¬ 
veyed to it, and in truth it was a distressing occasion for us all. 
Deposited in his bed, I went to bid him adieu, and we were both 
of us affected at separating; but I cheered him with the hope of 
