The weather during this month, and almost to its close, was much cooler than the preceding one.

The horses were divided between us--Robinson getting six, Carmichael four, and I five.
Carmichael and Robinson went down the country, in company, in advance of me, as fast as they could.

I travelled more slowly by myself.

One night, when near what is called the Horse-shoe bend of the Finke, I had turned out my horses, and as it seemed inclined to rain, was erecting a small tent, and on looking round for the tomahawk to drive a stake into the ground, was surprised to notice a very handsome little black boy, about nine or ten years old, quite close to me.

I patted him on the head, whereupon he smiled very sweetly, and began to talk most fluently in his own language.