The strong cloth had been cut into narrow strips and well made into breast straps and breeching, for the cattle were so poor and their hide so loose it was almost impossible to keep anything on their backs.

They had emptied the feathers out of the beds to get the cloth to use, and had tried to do everything that seemed best to do to get along without wagons.

The oxen came up for water, and the mule with them.

They looked better than when we left, but were still poor.

They had rested for some time and might feel able to go along willingly for a few days at least.