Page:Diary of ten years.djvu/85

 67 which was intense towards morning, gave still further evidence that perfect enjoyment is rarely to be found.

Next day, Mr. Dale and I walked forward to explore the way, and found a native path leading up the hill: when returning to breakfast a kangaroo came near us, very much to his surprise as well as ours.

After breakfast, as we set out, the day became rainy, and the pass was rocky and difficult; so much so, that the carts could proceed only three miles. Our order of march was as follows:—Mr. Dale in advance, to ascertain the direct line and mark trees in that direction, generally accompanied by me; next came Mr. B., who had charge of the waggons, attended by a number of men having axes, &c., to clear a cartroad as near the direct line as practicable; and in this road the rest followed;—but I am going too much into details, and must only give you the short notes of my tablets, or else my story will extend to an unmerciful length.

Halted in the valley. Heavy rain. Found great difficulty in lighting a fire under a tree. My hammock fell in the night; all my clothes were wet, and being in dread of the falling of the tree (pleasant sensations altogether), I lay down by the fire, my head on a soft log and my feet to the fire; and thus I composed myself to sleep.

8th.—Started at an early hour, on a good road, through an open forest of mahogany and some blue gum trees: halted in a picturesque vale, where we had loud thunder and heavy rain—made great fires to dry the hammocks for the night.

Next morning, the party started at half-past seven; but I remained prudently behind with several others to dry our clothes.

Here I first took notice of Mr. Dale's servant, a soldier, who was afterwards a source of great amusement to us. "Well, Sheridan, how did you pass last night?"—"Why, sir, I just lay on that 'dentical spot there fornint you at the fire all night, rain or no rain; for I thought I might as well keep