Coote and Kirkland return to Alice Springs surprised to find a cross officialdom out searching for them. 

Coote organises for Littlejohn to find a suitable Aboriginal in prison to act as extra hand on the problem Taylor Tucker camel team. 

Colson has not arrived, Terry was expecting him last night, for the moment puts the delay down to the rain and  muddy track. More work on the trusty Morris and work completed by late P.M. in return for Mrs Staines hospitality and to test the truck another load of firewood is brought in. Terry is not well and decides it's due to the Erldunda water.