The roofs of their mouths were no longer hot and dry, and their limbs did not tremble from excessive exertion.

Ned had turned his eyes from the Mexicans and was examining the country in the other direction.
"Obed," he said, "there's a low mountain about a mile back of us, and it's covered with forest.

If we ever reach it we can get away." "Yes--if we reach it," said Obed, "and, Ned, we'll surely try for it.
Ah, there they come in this direction now!" A squad of about twenty men was approaching the thicket rapidly.

Ned and Obed sprang up and made at top speed for the mountain.

The soldiers uttered a shout and began to fire.