At Alice Springs a learned Aboriginal enlightens the men on the significance of Taylor's strange gift. Blakeley is an odd bloke, he informs Allchurch of the Kulpidgi and wonders why the Postmaster gives him a severe reprimand for collecting artefacts, and letting Lasseter trespass on the Reserve, poor Freddy. 

At Erldunda and restocked with petrol Terry decides to set out for the Palmer to find Staines and a fresh meat supply. Yesterdays easterly is now a half gale bringing a dust storm, visibility down to a couple of miles. After the verdant Petermanns the drought ridden Erldunda area is depressing but the Staines are optimistic that the drought will break soon. 

The Endeavour Expeditions mail has arrived and a great read up all round.