"
We got out to stretch our legs, while the straggling soldiers slowly
overtook us. The man on the wounded bronco did not arrive until the
edge of the sun peeped above the horizon, and I ordered him to remove
the saddle and bridle, hitch the animal behind the ambulance, and take
a seat beside the driver.
Just when we were about to start again, Frank asked permission to run
ahead with the field-glass to the rising ground and look for Tyson's
Wells. I consented, and told him to signal us if he saw them, and that
if he did not we would halt, turn out, and send the least worn of the
escort ahead for relief.
Frank started, and presently disappeared behind some brush at a turn
in the road. An instant later he shouted and screamed at the top of
his voice. Whether he was shouting with joy or terror, or had gone out
of his senses, we were unable to guess. It sounded like "Who-o-o-op!
water! water! water!"
Had the boy seen a mirage and gone mad? We could see nothing but the
broad hollow about us, barren and dry as ever. But still the boy
continued to shout, "Water! water!" and presently he appeared round
the bend, running and holding up what appeared to be a letter.
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