ep which would not
come.

Chris and Ned were together, and lay so that they could look into each
other's eyes despairingly; but neither spoke, closing their lids at last
so as not to see, though with no expectation of obtaining the
much-needed restful forgetfulness. But it came, and when Chris opened
his eyes again it was to see by the dull red glow that evening was close
at hand.

He raised himself upon his arm, and the faint sound he made was
sufficient to rouse Ned, who also sat up, and looked at him wonderingly,
as if he did not quite understand where he was, till Chris bent towards
him and whispered--"Come outside."

Ned followed him without glancing at the speaker, and they stood
together in the misty heat glow, to note with wonder that some one was
moving about from pack to pack and pausing from time to time to pat the
mules.

The haze seemed to have thickened with the approaching night, so that
the figure was indistinct and hard to see, but after making a few steps
Chris said quickly--

"Why, it's Griggs. What's the matter with him? He's staggering about
as if looking for something."

"The water-barrels," whispered Ned hoarsely, and he caught Chris by the
arm.

"What! He wouldn't," said the boy angrily. "Let's see what he's
doing."

The American evidently heard their approach, for he turned to gaze at
them strangely; but he made no effort to join them, standing slowly
rocking himself to and fro and saving himself from falling by clinging
to the mule at whose side he stood.

"What's the matter, Griggs?" said Chris hoarsely.

"Oh, it's you!" was the reply. "I could see you both coming, but you
looked swollen up into giants, and I couldn't make it out."

"But what are you doing here?"

"Doing here? Yes, I remember. We must find where the water is
to-night, or it will be too late."

"Oh, don't say that," cried Ned, in a hoarse whisper.

"Yes, that's it," said Griggs strangely. "Must find the water to-night,
or it will be too late. I'm going to ride on, but I can't find the
mustangs."

"They're over yonder," said Ned quickly, pointing to where the ponies
could be dimly-seen.

"No; I've been over there, and they're gone."

"Going to ride on?" said Chris, as a thought struck him.

"Yes, before it's too late."

"But you are not in a fit state to ride on, Griggs."

"No. Everything is going round and round. Head's all strange and
queer."

"You couldn't sit a horse now."

"No,"