The thermometer to-day had stood at 96 degrees.

We now had our former tracks to return upon to the tarn.

The morning was cool and pleasant, and we arrived at the depot early.

Alec Robinson informed me that he believed some natives had been prowling about the camp in our absence, as the little dog had been greatly perturbed during two of the nights we were away.
It was very possible that some natives had come to the tarn for water, as well as to spy out who and what and how many vile and wicked intruders had found their way into this secluded spot; but as they must have walked about on the rocks they left no traces of their visit.
OCTOBER 15TH.
This morning's meal was to be the last we should make at our friendly little tarn, whose opportune waters, ripe figs, miniature mountains, and imitation fortresses, will long linger in my recollection.
Opposite the rocks in which the water lies, and opposite the camp also, is a series of small fort-like stony eminences, standing apart; these form one side of the glen; the other is formed by the rocks at the base of the main ridge, where the camp and water are situated.
This really was a most delightful little spot, though it certainly had one great nuisance, which is almost inseparable from pine-trees, namely ants.

These horrid pests used to crawl into and over everything and everybody, by night as well as by day.