Josiah Socket was on hand, looking the picture of misery. His family were close at hand, and for a wonder Mrs. Socket had little or nothing to say.
"I think I'll go back," said Socket, dolefully. "We can't afford to die of thirst like this."
"Might as well go ahead," said Maybe Dixon. "May be more water ahead nor behind." And then Socket concluded to advance, although with a look on his face as if going to his execution.
The advance was slow, for the trail was frightfully cut up and full of rough spots. They had gone less than three miles when without warning a wheel came off, letting down one corner of the wagon and spilling some of the outfit to the ground.
WITHOUT WARNING A WHEEL CAME OFF.
"More troubles!" groaned Bob. "Beats all how they seem to be piling up!"
"Is the axle broken, or the hub?" asked Si, anxiously.