Coote remains grounded at Oodnadatta, frustrated by gale force winds and lack of information from Alice Springs, he's an itchy fellow, can't keep still for five minutes.

Mounted Constable Johnson, tracker Mick and six camels return from the north west patrol.

Lasseter and Johns plod south heading for Lake Amadeus, they pass through well timbered country but still very dry. The camels are becoming difficult to handle, not surprising considering the temper and knowledge of the handlers.

The redoubtable Freddy Colson and Sunrise limp into Alice Springs late this evening, he has greater priorities than Blakeley's urgent messages, they can wait until tomorrow. He wonders how the Thornycroft is doing, if they're not back by Sunday he'll mount a rescue mission.