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Rh wished, but this my companions would not allow me, as their guide, to do, not feeling safe in my absence.

Our efforts to trace the lost travellers were all in vain, and at length I returned to Melbourne to report our ineffectual efforts for their rescue. Whilst we were absent on the expedition, Governor Bourke had returned to Sydney, and the news of the loss of Messrs. Gellibrand and Hesse having been forwarded to Hobart Town, three of their friends arrived with the determination, if possible, to trace their fate. I was applied to for information, and to accompany them; the former I gave them, but I refused the latter proposal, because I was certain I could do much better if I went by myself on such a mission. They appeared very much displeased at my objections, and I was summoned before the Commandant to give my reasons; to whom I said, those who were with me before had most improperly interfered, endangering my life and their own, by not having placed confidence in me and allowed me to do with, and say to the natives, what I thought best on the matter. The Commandant agreed with me, but the persons who had taken the affair in hand decided on having their own way; and they accordingly engaged several blacks to go with them, who, strange to say, they furnished with fire arms.

Three days after they had left the place, I had permission from Captain Lonsdale to proceed alone on my search; but my horse having a sore back, I was obliged to remain a short time until it could bear the saddle. In the meantime he was tethered in the rear of my