Here they rested for three days, not daring to remain longer as by this time their provisions were reduced to twenty pannikins of flour and meal and a little tea and sugar. They kept an anxious lookout for passing vessels but without avail; and did not know until their return that diggers at this time were at Jackson Bay. They commenced their homeward journey on October 5th, the Haast being much higher than previously. When they reached the Clarke two men were sent across to get some food that had been left there. Unfortunately, when returning, one of them lost his footing and his life being in danger, he cast off his swag which contained almost all their food. Luckily a packet of flour about six pound in weight was recovered, and that with a little meal was all they had to see them through. The weather now was of the cruellest kind, and when they reached the Fish Stream it was found to be unfordable—a veritable death trap, which they dare not attempt to cross.
An endeavour was made to fell a tree to bridge its narrowest part, and though they persisted all day in trying to do so, they were unsuccessful. During this time, “an unceasing downpour so chilled them as to induce a drowsy lethargy of the most painful description.” Their last biscuit having been consumed, with desperate energy tree after tree
