The bad state of the water and the steady diminution of supply had forced Browne to fall back to Depot Glen, riding day and night Sturt reached the old encampment, so exhausted that he could hardly stand after dismounting.
The problem of their final escape had now to be resolved.

The water in Depot Creek was reduced so low that they feared there would be none left in Flood's Creek.

If this failed, they were once more imprisoned.

Browne, now much recovered, undertook the long ride of one hundred and eighteen miles which would decide the question.

Preparations had been made for his journey by filling a bullock skin with water, and sending a dray with it as far as possible.