To those who know the experiences that awaited the expedition, it is pathetic to read of the leader's soaring hopes, as delusive as the desert mirage itself.
The whole of the party now removed to a small shallow lakelet, the commencement of the Williora channel (Laidley's Ponds).

After a short excursion to the distant ranges reported by Poole, Sturt, accompanied by Browne and two men, went ahead for the purpose of finding water of a sufficient permanency to remove the whole of the party to.

At the small lake where they were then encamped, there was the ever-present likelihood of a conflict with the pugnacious natives of the Darling.

He was successful in finding what he wanted, and on the 4th of November the main body of the expedition, finally leaving the Darling basin, removed to the new water depot.
The next day Sturt, with Browne and three men and the cart, started on another trip in search of water ahead.

This was found in small quantities, but rain coming on, Sturt returned and sent Poole out again to search while the camp was being moved.