was shining in our eyes and prevented us from
discerning objects in that direction. At length Mr Tidey, who was on
ahead, shouted to me that he saw a hollow, with shrubs growing round it,
and that in all probability water would be found at the bottom; I got up
alongside him, and we rode forward together. As we drew nearer the
hollow appeared to increase in size, but still we could see no water.

"Surely there must be some there!" exclaimed Mr Tidey; "it cannot all
have dried up."

I felt rather doubtful about that, but when we reached the brink of the
hollow our anxiety was relieved by seeing a pool, though of small
dimensions and covered over with a thick coat of green, broken here and
there by some water-fowl which had dipped into it. Such as it was, it
was better than no water, and we rode back to guide the waggons to it.
As we drew up on the bank we could scarcely restrain the oxen from
rushing down quench their burning thirst. It was necessary, however, to
water the horses first, though we could not allow them to take their
fill, for fear of exhausting the supply. As soon as the oxen were
unyoked, some nearly rolled over on their noses in their eagerness to
drink the stagnant water. After they had been led back it was with
difficulty we could prevent their returning, but it was necessary to
preserve some of the water for the following morning. Though we kept a
watch as usual all night, we had not much fear of being attacked, as the
want of water, would, we hoped, prevent the Indians from approaching us.

Some time before the streak of pink and gold which announces the coming
dawn appeared in the sky, we were all on foot and the horses were led
down to be watered, but instead of the liquid we expected to find, a
mass of soft mud, through which it had sunk, was alone to be discovered.
Without stopping therefore for breakfast, we immediately yoked in the
oxen and pushed forward, hoping that before noon we might reach some
stream or another water-hole. Our own supply of the necessary liquid
was almost exhausted, and we ourselves might suffer severely if none
could be found. Usually the men, as they trudged forward, amused
themselves by singing songs or cutting jokes, but even the merriest were
now silent and their countenances grew longer and longer as the day
advanced and no water appeared. My father and uncle held a
consultation. We might have to travel on, not only for one day, but for
two or three day