ntil rather late, in order to get away from
them. The night was very cold. A strong breeze was blowing from the
south, which made the fire so irregular that, as on the two
previous nights, it was impossible to keep up a fair temperature.
Our general course throughout the day had been south-south-east.

. . .

On Sunday, April 21, the survivors, Mr. Burke, my son, King, and two
camels, reached Cooper's Creek at the exact place where the depot
party had been left under Brahe. THERE WAS NO ONE THERE! During the
last few days every exertion had been made, every nerve strained to
reach the goal of their arduous labours--the spot where they
expected to find rest, clothing, and provisions in abundance. King
describes in vivid language the exertions of that last ride of
thirty miles; and Burke's delight when he thought he saw the depot
camp; "There they are!" he exclaimed; "I see them!" The wish was
"father to the thought." Lost and bewildered in amazement, he
appeared like one stupefied when the appalling truth burst on him.
King has often described to me the scene. "Mr. Wills looked about
him in all directions. Presently he said, 'King, they are gone;'
pointing a short way off to a spot, 'there are the things they have
left.' Then he and I set to work to dig them up, which we did in a
short time. Mr. Burke at first was quite overwhelmed, and flung
himself on the ground." But soon recovering, they all three set to
work to cook some victuals. When thus refreshed, my son made the
following entry in his journal:

Sunday, April 21.--Arrived at the depot this evening, just in time
to find it deserted. A note left in the plant by Brahe communicates
the pleasing information that they have started today for the
Darling; their camels and horses all well and in good condition. We
and our camels being just done up, and scarcely able to reach the
depot, have very little chance of overtaking them. Brahe has
fortunately left us ample provisions to take us to the bounds of
civilization namely:--Flour, 50 pounds; rice, 20 pounds; oatmeal,
60 pounds; sugar, 60 pounds; and dried meat, 15 pounds. These
provisions, together with a few horse-shoes and nails, and some
odds and ends, constitute all the articles left, and place us in a
very awkward position in respect to clothing. Our disappointment at
finding the depot deserted may easily be imagined;--returning in an
exhausted state, after four months of the severest travelling and
privation,