On the eighth day he returned.
"Well, Browne," asked Sturt, who was helpless in his tent, "what news?
Is it good or bad ?" "There is still water in the creek," replied Browne, "but that is all I can say; what there is is as black as ink, and we must make haste, for in a week it will be gone." The boat that was to have floated over the inland sea was left to rot at Depot Glen.

All the heaviest of the stores were abandoned, and the retreat of over two hundred miles commenced.
More bullock-skins were fashioned into water-bags, and with their aid and that of a scanty but kindly shower of rain, they crossed the dry stage to Flood's Creek in safety.

Here they found the growth of the vegetation much advanced, and with care, and constant activity in searching ahead for water, they gradually increased the distance from the scene of their sufferings, and approached the Darling.

Sturt had to be carried on one of the drays, and lifted on and off at each stopping-place.

On the 21st of December, they arrived at the camp of the relief-party under Piesse, at Williorara, and Sturt's last expedition came to an end.
In taking leave of this explorer, we quote a short extract from his Journal to show the exalted character of the man whom Australians should ever regard with the greatest of pride:-- "Circumstances may yet arise to give a value to my recent labours, and my name may be remembered by after generations in Australia as the first who tried to penetrate to its centre.