the party, I resolved to make the best of my
way back to it. On the following morning, therefore, we again entered the
pass, but as it trended too much to the eastward, I crossed a small range
and descended at once upon the plains leading to the camp. At about 17
miles from the hills, Topar led us to a broad sheet of water that must
have been left by the recent rains. It was still tolerably full, and
water may perhaps be found here when there is none in more likely places
in the hills. This spot Topar called Wancookaroo; it was unfortunately in
a hollow from whence we could take no bearings to fix its precise
position.

We halted at sunset on the top of a small eminence, from which the hills
Mr. Poole had ascended bore E.N.E., and the hill at the pass N.W. We were
suddenly roused from our slumbers a little before daylight by a squall of
wind that carried away every light thing about us, hats, caps, etc. all
went together, and bushes of atriplex also went bounding along like so
many foot-balls. The wind became piercing cold, and all comfort was gone.
As morning dawned the wind increased, and as the sun rose it settled into
a steady gale. We were here about forty miles from Cawndilla, nor do I
remember having ever suffered so severely from cold even in Canada. The
wind fairly blew through and through us, and Topar shivered so under it
that Morgan gave him a coat to put on. As we seldom put our horses out of
a walk, we did not reach the tents until late in the afternoon, but I
never was more rejoiced to creep under shelter than on this occasion.

Every thing had gone on well during our absence, and Mr. Poole had kept
on the most friendly terms with the natives.

I should have mentioned, that, as we descended from the hills, the quick
eye of Topar saw a native at a great distance to our left, and just at
the outskirt of a few trees. We should have passed him unperceived, but I
requested Mr. Browne to ride up to and communicate with him. The poor
fellow had dug a pit, for a Talperos [Note 8. A native animal about the
size of a rabbit, but longer in shape.], big enough to hide himself in,
and as he continued to work at it, did not see Mr. Browne approach, who
stood mounted right over the hole before he called to him. Dire was the
alarm of the poor native when he looked up and saw himself so immediately
in contact with such a being as my companion must have appeared to him;
but Mr. Browne considerately retired until he had r