Still we kept perseveringly onwards, leading our horses and forcing our way through in the best way we could.

It was, however, all in vain; we made so little headway, and were so completely exhausting the little strength we had left, that I felt compelled to desist.

The poor boy was quite worn out, and could scarcely move.

I was myself but little better, and we were both suffering from a parching thirst; under such obstacles labour and perseverance were but thrown away, and I determined to await the day-light.

After tying up the horses the boy lay down, and was soon asleep, happy in his ignorance of the dangers which threatened him.