The baggage and saddles were removed, and the animals were allowed to drink their fill, and then to lie down in the stream while their riders enjoyed the luxury of a bath.
They had done no cooking for the last four days, as no fuel of any sort was to be obtained, and they lived upon the dried meat and a drink of flour and water.

The banks of the stream were well wooded, and the animals, as soon as their thirst was quenched, fell to work upon the grass that grew knee-deep near its banks.
"We must do some cooking to-day," Dave said, "and a good batch of it; there is no saying when it will be safe to cook again.

We must wait till night, and then light the fire in the thickest part of these trees, and fasten our blankets up round it to prevent its light being seen.

We can collect the firewood in readiness before it gets dark." The spot was carefully chosen, the horseropes were fastened from tree to tree around it, and all the blankets hung on them.
"We must take it by turns," Dave said, "to keep the fire up, and go on baking.

We will make a dozen loaves if we can." As they sat round the fire later on they discussed their next move, and agreed that as the river was shallow they would cross it at once, and then follow it up stream.