."

"None whatever, I should say," replied the doctor. "There, let's get
away from this horrible place. I don't know how we're going to get
those kegs again. The danger seems too great."

"Not after dark, sir," said Griggs coolly. "We must have 'em though,
and I'm going to do it somehow, cost what it may."

The next minute they had mounted and were riding slowly back to where
the others were about to come in search of them, in alarm at their
prolonged absence.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

DRY FISHING.

There was a short, sharp council of ways and means held in the soft
evening light which bathed the sterile rocky plain and the distant
mountainous land with a weird beauty, that made those who gazed around
feel a sensation of wonder, that nature could spread such a mask over a
scene whose aspect to the adventurers was full of the horrors of thirst,
and death by the stroke of the venomous reptiles.

Close at hand, and showing no disposition to stray, were the horses and
the mules, with their coats bristling with dried sweat, and the dust
through which they had travelled.

Their packs remained untouched, for every one felt that it was
impossible to stay where they were, while before starting afresh water
was an absolute necessity--a draught each to allay the feverish thirst,
and the contents of one keg carefully divided so that about a pint each
could be given to the wearied beasts.

"But there must be water somewhere near on that higher ground," said
Wilton excitedly, and the doctor noted that his eyes looked bloodshot
and wild. "Here, I tell you what; I'll take our bearings and ride off
to see what I can find, and then come back."

"No," said the doctor, "it is impossible. Look at your horse: he cannot
carry you right up yonder for miles upon miles in the state he is in."

"Then I must walk," cried Wilton impetuously.

"You would break down before you had been gone an hour," said the
doctor, "and we should have to search for you and bring you back."

"Oh! give me credit for a little more strength and determination, sir,"
said Wilton petulantly. "We must have water, and it is to be found up
yonder in the hills. What do you say, Bourne?"

"I agree with you that water may be found yonder, but we must keep
together. Our party is small enough as it is; we must not make it less
by letting one of our most active members break away."

"Then what are we to do?" cried Wilton, and the boys' lips moved as if
the