Ned drank what it supplied and then turned away regretfully.

It was a kindly palm, a gift to man, and yet he must slay it to save his own life.
He lay down again, but he did not sleep as well as usual.

His nerves were upset by the long delay, and the decline of the palm, and he was not refreshed when he awoke in the morning.

His head felt hot and his limbs were heavy.
As it was not yet bright daylight he went to the palm and cut into it.
The flow of water was only a few mouthfuls.

Cautious and doubly economical now he pursed his lips that not a single drop might escape.
Then, after eating a little food he lay down, protected as much as possible by the scanty bushes, and also sheltering himself at times from the sun with the serape which he drew over his head.