I scarcely knew what to do; I knew if I turned to retreat that every spear would be launched at me.

I was, metaphorically, transfixed to the spot.

I thought the only thing to do was to brave the situation out, as "Cowards, 'tis said, in certain situations Derive a sort of courage from despair; And then perform, from downright desperation, Much bolder deeds than many a braver man would dare." (ILLUSTRATION: ESCAPE GLEN--THE ADVANCE.) (ILLUSTRATION: ESCAPE GLEN--THE RETREAT.) (ILLUSTRATION: MIDDLETON'S PASS AND FISH PONDS.) I was choking with thirst, though in vain I looked for a sheet of water; but seeing where they had dug out some sand, I advanced to one or two wells in which I could see water, but without a shovel only a native could get any out of such a funnel-shaped hole.

In sheer desperation I dismounted and picked up a small wooden utensil from one of the wurleys, thinking if I could only get a drink I should summon up pluck for the last desperate plunge.

I could only manage to get up a few mouthfuls of dirty water, and my horse was trying to get in on top of me.