This was the first instance we had of open theft among the natives of the interior.
We passed Mosquito Brush on the 18th, but found the ponds quite dry, we were, therefore, under the necessity of pushing on, to shorten the next day's journey, as we could not expect to get water nearer than the marshes.

At noon, on the 19th, we entered the plain, and once more saw them spreading in dreariness before us.

While the party was crossing to the first channel, I rode to the left, in order to examine the appearance of the country in the direction of the wood, and as far as I skirted the reeds had my impressions confirmed as to their partial extension.

I was obliged, however, to join the men without completing the circuit of the marshes.

They had found the first channel dry, and had passed on to the other, in which, fortunately, a small quantity of water still remained.
It was, however, so shallow as to expose the backs of the fish in it, and a number of crows had congregated, and were pecking at them.