and had done the journey, which took me four days, in a day and a-half. He had scarcely seated himself when a Mr. W——— (a squatter from Cooma) and his son came in. We chatted away till ten o’clock, when we had a glass of grog and retired for the night. Well refreshed, I started next morning a little after nine, travelled across plains all day, and at about two o’clock I came to a station called Middle Bank, where I got off and asked for a bit to eat; this I got with a grudge. I did not stay there long, but went on about half-a-mile further from the place; got off the horse and let him feed for three-quarters of an hour. About four o’clock I came to Dr. M———’s station. I rode up and asked for the doctor. He came out. I told him who I was, and what I wanted. He at once asked me in, and turned my horse into the paddock. We had some tea, after which we chatted away till bedtime. I started at nine a.m. next day, intending to ride through to Kiandra, but I did not manage it as the road was very sticky. I got bogged once, and had some difficulty in extricating myself. I rode until I came to the Snowy River, which was high, with a strong current running, and here I was piloted safely across by a policeman who was on the opposite side. I put up at the Diggers’ Rest, kept by a man named Russell. This township was known as Russell’s, and was, I found, only twelve miles from Kiandra. I hobbled my nag and turned him out. The shanty (called an hotel) was filthily dirty. The escort from Kiandra had arrived a few moments before. I met the sergeant and some of the men at tea. After tea we played whist, then had a song all round and a nobbler before turning in. I slept in a big bed between two policemen, so was well looked after.
Sunday, 27th May.—I started a little after ten, in company with two men—one walking, the other riding; had not gone far when they turned back to get a horse for the one that was walking, but told me to go on and they would overtake me. I went on for half-a-mile, then I came to the Snowy River, which I crossed in a punt; stayed here about an hour for the men, but as they did not turn up I determined to jog on alone. Just as I was starting a mate of the puntman came up and said he was going to Kiandra, and volunteered to accompany me. I was only too glad of his company. The road to-day was hilly, very bad in many places, and boggy. I got off the horse and we drove him before us. About four o’clock we sighted Kiandra, but we had to go a long way round to cross the river; got into the township just at dusk. I hunted up the agent (Mr. Yates), and we went down to Kidd’s Hotel and had tea. Later in the evening we went to Carmichael’s Hotel, where I got a “shake-down” on the floor of the bar parlour, and a most uncomfortable night I spent—cold and miserable.
