Bunbury Herald 5 June 1907, page 3
The Story of Bob and Jack
A PROSPECTOR’S SACRIFICE
By R. M. Cochrane
Every prospector knows the dreary tracts of the Mount Margaret goldfields of Western Australia, but few are acquainted with the unspeakable dreariness of the tracks beyond, leading to the McDonnell ranges. So far as the Erlistoun, and a few miles beyond, the track is passable enough, but, once past the Sutherland ranges, I know not if earth holds ought which is more like hell. Day by day the camels paced over the inhospitable desert, glaring like a furnace in the summer sun. The soaks often contained water that was almost putrid. Frequently, they had to bail out dead birds before they could drink themselves, or offer a drink to their thirsty beasts.
No need to dwell upon the hardships of that journey. Those who have traveled in the desert know them only too well; those who have not cannot even imagine them, and only those who have experienced it can know the sensation of joy when the goal is reached at last.
After a brief rest, commenced the work of prospecting. Day after day they traversed the ranges at right angles to their strike, and day after day they returned to the camp having found nothing of value. Eventually they struck camp and returned to more likely country which they had noticed en route. Here they commenced the work of systematic prospecting. Day after day they toiled and still, no result. It was in these days of unrewarded toil that Jack’s cheerful optimism proved invaluable. He chatted gaily and confidentially of the find they were certain to make. Again and again they shifted camp, but with no better result To add to their troubles one of the pack camels strayed and could nowhere be found.
