That there might be no mistake about it, no sooner was the mug in place under the nozzle wherefrom the moisture beads collected and fell with infinite slowness, than my sword, on which I meant to throw myself, was bared and the hilt forced into a gaping crack in the ground, and sullenly contented to leave my fate so, I sat down beside it.
I turned grimly to the spout and saw the first drop fall, then another, and another later on, but still no help came.

There was a long rift in the clouds now, and a glare like that from an open furnace door was upon me.

I had noticed when I came to the spring how the comet which was killing us hung poised exactly upon the point of a distant hill.

If he had passed his horrible meridian, if he was going from us, if he sunk but a hair's breadth before that seventh drop should fall, I could tell it would mean salvation.
But the fourth drop fell, and he was big as ever.

The fifth drop fell, and a hot, pleasing nose was thrust into my hand, and looking down I saw a grey wolf had dragged herself across the court and was asking with eloquent eyes for the help I could not give.