Taylor and Johns get within sight of Illbilla before camping for the night and enjoy a change of fare due to Johns good shooting, Bustard is on the menu.

A rest day at camp 53 with no quibble from Terry, while enduring his forced rest he reviews progress, there has been no lack of it, thanks to a dedicated team of prospectors, but all they have done is eliminate hundreds of miles of useless ground, the land about is remarkably unmineralised. He decides to save expense and return to civilization soonest, their efforts will concentrate on checking a few small areas missed on the outward journey, mostly by camel.

Next couple of days will be spent making short prospecting trips from camp, Bird and Bailey off to the N.N.W. and hope return to camp by evening 16/12. Rare duties for Colson, camp slushy and doctor. water getting low.