, however, there was no wind,
they could not be certain that they were keeping in a direct line. Had
there been any prominent objects by which they could steer, their minds
would have been more comfortable on the subject. After going some
distance, Percy declared that he thought they must be up to the course
the waggon was to take. Seeing a tall tree a little distance ahead,
they made towards it, and agreed to climb into the topmost branches,
that they might take a look-out, hoping that they should see the waggon
coming along. Percy, who was well accustomed to climbing, offered to
mount the tree, while Denis took charge of his gun and one of the
remaining ostrich eggs which he had carried. The tree was more
difficult to get up than he had supposed, but he managed at length to
reach a high bough, from whence he could obtain a wide view around.

"I can see nothing of the waggon," he shouted. "The country looks
everywhere equally arid and barren, except to the northward, and there I
see some trees, which from their bright green hue must grow near water."

"Well, then, come down, and we will make towards them," said Denis; and
as soon as Percy had descended, they set off in the direction he had
indicated.

They were getting very thirsty. Had the sun been shining, they would
have suffered even more than they did; but as it was, their throats were
parched and dry, and they eagerly pressed forward, in the hope of
speedily obtaining water.

Their disappointment was proportionally great when, arriving at the
trees towards which they had been directing their course, no stream or
pool could be found.

Percy, who had hitherto kept up bravely, threw himself on the ground,
almost in despair.

"Oh, I am so thirsty! What shall we do?" he cried.

"I'll tell you what we must do--get up and push along," answered Denis.
"I fancy that I see some more trees, much greener than any we have yet
passed, and the chances are we shall find water near them."

Percy, thus encouraged, got up. He had no wish to give in as poor Gozo
had done. It was very trying, but the lads had stout hearts, and kept
up bravely. They reached the trees at last, once more to be
disappointed. Accompanied by Raff, who was suffering as much as they
were, they ran here and there, attracted by a shrub looking fresher than
usual, then by a depression in the ground.

Percy, who had gone some distance, shouted, "Hurrah! here are signs of
water."

Denis h