What had disturbed them was exactly what had disturbed him--thirst.

He controlled his own desire for water, however, and followed an instinct that made him draw back and wait until all the rest--the oldest stallion and the youngest colt--had waded in and plunged their noses deep in the water.

Then he went to the lake edge a little apart from the rest and drank with his reflection glistening beneath him.
It was a time of utter peace for the chestnut.

While he drank he watched the line of images broken by the small waves in the lake and listened to the foals which had only tasted the water and now were splashing it about with their upper lips.

For his own part he did not drink too much, since much water in the belly makes a leaden burden and Alcatraz felt that, as leader, he must always be ready for running.