That's easy. But I'm worrying about your not
seeing fresh water, Payne. This will be slow, hard work. In the heat
to-morrow we'll thirst like souls in purgatory. And we don't know how
far that mud reaches or what we'll be up against when we get across."
"Nevertheless, I'm going to try to cross it in the morning."
"Of course. So am I. Now let's build a bright camp fire so I can see
to do a bit of fancy Indian basket work."
XV
The sunburst of dawn woke them from a night of restless sleep. Roger
sat up sleepily blinking against the garish rays of the rising sun, and
conscious of an indefinite sense of discomfort. Sleepily he stumbled
to his feet, seeking a drink of water, and then, fully awakened, he
understood. His tongue was hot and dry and his swollen throat was
crying for a drink of the brackish water which he must not touch.
"Hell!" said Higgins hoarsely as he awoke and felt his throat. "It's
getting us quick. This heat just boils the moisture out of you. Do
your eyes hurt yet?"
"No."
"Mine do. I ate more of that meat than you did."
They found a sweet-bay bush near by and chewed the fragrant leaves for
the moisture that was in them.
"I'll climb that tree and have another look round," said Roger.
"All right. While you're there I'll try out the mats I made last
night.
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