He set his gun against a rock and, plucking some broad palm leaves, made a cup which would hold about a pint.
All this required time, and he was constantly tortured with the recollection that his charge was suffering with thirst.

With the improvised cup full of water, he hastened to the almost fainting girl and said gladly: "I have found pure, sweet water in abundance.

Drink of this, and we will go at once to the spring." She eagerly seized the leaf cup and drank, then found herself strong enough to cross the hill to the precious fountain.
John left one of the guns with her, the other was at the spring; but the sword and pistols he kept at his belt.
Taking the provisions and musket they set out for the spring.

Here they bathed their hot faces and refreshed themselves.
"Now let us have food," said John.
The sea-biscuit and dried fish were wholesome, and they ate with a relish.

John Stevens wanted to climb a lofty hill about two miles away, from which he hoped to have a good view of the surrounding country.
"Can we from there determine what land we are on ?" she asked.
"I hope so." "If there be cities, will we see them ?" "We shall," he answered.
"Have you no hopes nor fears ?" "I have both." "What are your hopes ?" "My hopes are that this is one of the Bermuda Islands." "And your fears ?" "That this is one of the West India Islands, or a part of the Florida coast, under control of the Spaniards." "Did you hear the captain say where we were before the ship struck ?" "No; he was a most incompetent master, and knew not where we were." "Whether we are in the land of enemies or friends, it will be better to know the truth," reasoned Blanche.
"Are you strong enough for the walk ?" She thought she was, and they started on their journey of exploration.
One of the guns was left with the provisions at the spring; but John carried the other.
The distance to the hill proved greater than they had supposed, and before they reached the base, the sun, sinking low in the heavens, admonished them that night would overtake them before the summit could possibly be gained.
John called a halt and asked: "Shall we go on, or return to the beach ?" Blanche gazed on the frowning hills and bluffs before them and thought it best to return.