“If we do we’ll lose several minutes,” said Nestor, “and seconds will count now. Try and stand it a little longer. Make believe you are shipwrecked and can’t get a drink. Sometimes sailors go for days without a drink.”
“But they couldn’t get it if they wanted to,” spoke Bob, “and as for us, there’s a spring right alongside of the road,” and he pointed to one ahead.
Jerry was about to turn up to it and stop, but Nestor urged him to keep the auto going.
“We don’t want to lose everything, when we’re jest about succeedin’, all fer a little water,” he said. “Three hours more will see us at the mine. If we stop now they’ll beat us.”
“I’ll give my share in the mine for a good drink,” wailed Bob.
“So will I!” chimed in Ned.
In truth, the boys were suffering severely. So were the men, but they were used to hardships, and the thought of the gold ahead made them indifferent to the wants of the body.
“See, we’re coming to a river,” went on Ned, pointing to where a bridge could be seen spanning a stream. “We can get water there.”
“And lose the gold mine!” exclaimed Nestor, fiercely. “No, sir! We don’t stop until we’re on the ground. Then you can get all the water you want.”
He seemed so excited that the boys were somewhat afraid of him, though they knew it was all due to the strain of the moment. To add to their discomfiture, they could see the other gold seekers in their auto taking copious drinks from bottles of water.