Caked in mud and short of water, Lasseter and Johns struggle on to the Olga's and both men are starting to have doubts about each others abilities, Johns has the distinct impression that Lasseter has never travelled this land before but has memorised it from a book.

At Houston's Soak, Blakeley and the men have an easy day of it, Taylor potters about the vehicle and Blakeley and Sutherland try desultory prospecting along the creek, nothing found of course. Taylor enjoys the exquisite pleasure of a hot bath, morning and night.

Coote paces, he can do nothing until the Expedition returns to town, he and the plane need Taylor and first hand word from Blakeley regarding Lasseter's movements. Lasseter's plans are by now very public and the word has got around that Lasseter has found his reef, now I wonder where that rumour started.

LASSETERIA