a lower
level for camping; and, as we hoped, find water, even though we might
not succeed in killing any bird or beast for supper.

We had both become very silent; in truth, I found my tongue clinging to
the roof of my mouth, and a dry, painful sensation in the throat. I
observed a peculiar hollowness in Mudge's voice, too, and I was
conscious that my own also sounded unusual. Still it would not do to
give in, and we were not so far gone yet as to think of doing that. On,
therefore, we went, though not without suffering. My knees felt weak,
and I breathed with difficulty; but I would not tell Mudge this, lest it
should discourage him.

At length, however, I could hold out no longer. Suddenly, when twenty
yards or so behind Mudge--for I had lately lagged somewhat--I found
myself sinking to the ground, not far from the summit of a ridge at
which we had been aiming. He went on, not knowing what had happened; I
followed him with my eyes, though I could neither cry out nor move. He
reached the top, and looked eagerly out to the southward; then he took
off his hat and waved it, shouting out, "I see a fine open country
ahead."

His voice revived me, and getting on my feet, I tottered forward to join
him. He saw my weakness, and came to help me up to the top of the
ridge. I felt greatly revived at the knowledge that our chief
difficulty had been surmounted. Mudge stopped a little to consider the
path it would be most advisable to take down the mountain, and then
proposed proceeding. Looking at me, however, he saw that I was not able
to exert myself as usual.

"Let me carry your pack, Godfrey," he said; "it won't make much
difference to me, as most of the way will be down-hill, and it will
relieve you. I advise you also to munch a little biscuit and pemmican;
you'll get it down in time, though at first you may find it difficult to
swallow."

I declined; but he insisted that I should try, and taking out some of
the food, made me put it into my mouth.

"Perhaps our bottles may contain a little water, and that will help
you," he observed.

I shook my head, for I knew mine was empty. He looked at his, and found
half a cupful I believe that he had saved it for such an emergency. It
and the fresh air, and the knowledge that we might hope soon to be
better off than at present, had a magical effect, and I felt able to
continue the journey.

We went on and on, rapidly descending, till we reached the edge of a
p