When he had discovered the blunder, he had gone forty miles, and over this weary distance the horses had to return.

It was one of those mishaps that helped so much to wear out his unfortunate animals.
Trouble after trouble now added itself to the burden of the explorers.
Another five days had passed without water, and their only hopes rested upon some sandhills ahead, seen from the sea by Flinders, and marked by him upon his chart.

Retreat was impossible, and with their horses failing one after another, they toiled on, desperate and well-nigh hopeless.
Eyre's anxiety was increased by Baxter's growing despondency and pessimistic view of the issue of their enterprise.

They were now travelling along the sea beach, firm and hard, and ominously marked with wreckage.

Their last drop of water had been consumed, and that morning they had been collecting dew from the bushes with a sponge, as a last resource.