The traveller is therefore compelled to make night-stages, and frequently passes unheeding the very pool or well that would have saved his life.

During the night not only are the natural physical features difficult to discern, but the birds, those water-guides of the desert, are sleeping.
As soon as the news that Jones and Wells were missing was wired to Perth, the West Australian Government promptly despatched W.P.Rudall in charge of a search-party, from Braeside station on the Oakover River.
Crossing into the desert country, Rudall, guided by blacks, came upon a camp in which footsteps, supposed to be those of the missing men, were traceable.

His camels failing him, the tracks were lost, and he was obliged to return.

A second search was likewise fruitless, but rumours brought in by the natives of straying camels, caused a third party to be organised.

Rudall this time went south of the head of the Oakover, and penetrated the dry spinifex country below the Tropic.