The Professor and Quest marched grimly side by side.

With every step they took the caravan became more distinct.
Presently three or four horsemen detached themselves from the main body and came galloping towards them.

The eyes of the little party glistened as they saw that the foremost had a water-bottle slung around his neck.

He came dashing up, waving his arms.
"You lost, people ?" he asked.

"Want water ?" They almost snatched the bottle from him.