The strata of the sandstone dip towards the east and north-east off Peak Range; but, in other localities, I observed a dip towards the range.
A circumstance now occurred, which, as it seemed to augur badly for the welfare of our expedition, gave me much concern and anxiety.

My two blacks, the companions of my reconnoitring excursions, began to show evident signs of discontent, and to evince a spirit of disobedience which, if not checked, might prove fatal to our safety.

During my recent reconnoitre, they both left me in a most intricate country, and took the provisions with them.

They had become impatient from having been without water at night; and, in the morning, whilst I was following the ranges, they took the opportunity of diverging from the track, and descended into the gullies; so that I was reluctantly compelled to return to the camp.
My companions were highly alarmed at the behaviour of the sable gentlemen, believing that they had concerted a plan to decamp, and leave us to our fate.

I knew, however, the cowardly disposition of the Australian native too well; and felt quite sure that they would return after they had procured honey and opossums, in search of which they had deserted me.