at the day
we came to Lake Camel, the two natives, Peter and Sambo, absconded, after
getting shirts, etc. Those were the fellows that were to guide us and act
as interpreters with the natives concerning the white man reported
before, and carrying off with them a new canteen and strap, which we will
much want yet.

Thursday, October 10.

Started at 7.25; crossed creek at 9.30, bearing 20 degrees to North;
recrossed creek ten minutes past 10; same course; then North 40 degrees
East till twenty minutes to one; then crossed at the junction of two
creeks, apparently insignificant, and went east one mile to main creek;
then northward five miles. Scoured great part of the country ahead and
could find no water; getting late, and the day very heavy for the
bullocks; determined to get them to water; retreated in a course South 20
degrees West about four miles, to a small pool of water in the creek that
I crossed at midday, and camped.

Friday, October 11.

Started with the camels and Mr. Middleton, and a native named Bulingani,
provisions and water, to go to the relief of the whites said to be in the
interior, but at the same time with the intention of returning to camp if
unsuccessful in finding a good camp for the animals. On a bearing of 18
degrees, at twenty-two miles, arrived at Lake Perigundi, a semicircular
lake from three to four miles in length by one and three-quarter miles
broad. The water not very good; the natives even dig round in the clay a
short distance from the lake for water for their use. Appear friendly,
and we saw about 200 of them--more rather than under that number, and
looking remarkably healthy. Camped, surrounded by them on all sides
except the lake side about 300 yards off. One of the camels got bogged
and narrowly escaped. We kept watch and watch during the night, sending
the native who was with us to camp with the blacks, who gave us some
fish.

Saturday, October 12.

Up early and returned to camp. Found it deserted in consequence of
instructions given to Mr. Hodgkinson previous to departure--that he was
to examine the creek southward; and in the event of his finding good feed
and water (which at the camp were both indifferent) to remove the camp at
once, which he found, and consequently removed, leaving me a memo at an
appointed place of his distance and direction, which was about one and a
half miles south and west. Two of the working bullocks got off during my
absence, and before they were