Some, unable to bear the extended strain, sank upon the ground and covered their faces with their hands.

But the half-grown children, wan with privations and fever, ragged and barefoot, watched steadily the horse and its rider, their round, gleaming eyes full of wonder and fear.
"It is Thomas," said the Senora.
As he came near, and the beat of the horse's hoofs could be heard, a cry almost inarticulate, not to be described, shrill and agonizing in its intensity, broke simultaneously from the anxious women.

It was one cry from many hearts, all at the last point of endurance.

Thomas Worth understood it.

He flung his hat up, and answered with a joyful "Hurrah!" When he reached the camp, every face was wet with tears, and a crowd of faces was instantly round him.