They then recommenced their northern journey.

That night they camped without finding water, but the next morning were lucky enough to get a permanent supply.

Then ensued much delay, caused by fruitless attempts to strike either to the eastward or the westward.

Stuart tried on several occasions to reach the head of the Victoria River, but failed, and sacrificed some horses.

On a creek he called the Phillips, some natives were encountered who, according to Stuart, made and answered a masonic sign.
To the north of this spot, the explorers came to a large gum-tree creek, with very fair-sized sheets of water in it.