Page:Tracks of McKinlay and party across Australia.djvu/107

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PASTORAL STATIONS.
81

with to demolish the old hut and get logs on the fire, which soon was blazing away in grand style. The pots were quickly on and the supper got ready, to which ample justice was done. The camels did not come in till nearly 9 p.m., the men having been delayed from not finding them for several hours, and from their having had again a good general fight on the road. The two men with them were very nearly done up from fatigue in walking the stage, which was a long one, and running all over the country in the first place to catch these animals. However, a good supper and a sound sleep recruited them, and in the morning they were all right again.

Stayed here all day, Mr. McKinlay trying to buy some bullocks for the cart instead of the horses, the bullocks being more able to tackle the heavy roads. Here all the men took advantage of the spell and fine weather, and a general wash of all the clothes took place.

27th. Off again to-day for Price Morris Place, and camped there on a gentle rise, the weather very cold and wet. Pitched tents and got as cozy as circumstances would permit. This was a very bleak dirty camp. Here Wylde got a tremendous kick on his breast, fortunately rather high, so he did not feel it so much. It was a most wretched night, cold and raining, and the tents all blowing about.