From the time of getting on the rocks she had leaked considerably, and a large quantity of stores had been destroyed or damaged, there being at one time four feet of water in the hold; but by nailing battens and tarred blankets over the open seams the leaks had been greatly reduced. The creek now turned to the south, and we followed the shallow channels till 12. To the south a range of basalt and sandstone hills intercepted the view. Crossing two sandy creeks fifteen and twenty yards wide with shallow pools, at noon reached a barren range of white sandstone hills, rising about 250 feet. 0 a low rocky ridge; then descended into a wide valley, with melaleuca and a few box-trees. As this camp appeared suitable for a halt of a few days, I decided on availing ourselves of the opportunity, and to kill one of the unserviceable horses and replenish our stock of meat and supply the party with fresh provisions.
You may spare yourself the trouble of writing to any of your friends, till the solemnity has passed that shall entitle me to give weight to your application. Miss Partington would be willing to contribute to such a piece of justice? Having gone thus far, loth, very loth, was I to lose my prize--once more I got hold of the rumpled-up letter!