But such a thing might not be even considered.

Several hours of darkness must elapse before the moon rose, and during that period, were their foes so minded, they would be absolutely at the mercy of the sumpitan shafts if not covered by their impenetrable buckler.
The sailor looked long and earnestly at the well.

Their own bucket, improvised out of a dish-cover and a rope, lay close to the brink.

A stealthy crawl across the sandy valley, half a minute of grave danger, and he would be up the ladder again with enough water to serve their imperative needs for days to come.
There was little or no risk in descending the rock.

Soon after sunset it was wrapped in deepest gloom, for night succeeds day in the tropics with wondrous speed.