“No, sir; I didn’t taste it, but it looks sweet. The coyotes and antelope have been drinking it.”
“Rawlins!” shouted the general. “Come along. Here’s water.”
General Rawlins came. So did Major Dunn. Following Terry, in they went.
“General Rawlins is entitled to the first drink, I believe,” said General Dodge, huskily, as they reined their horses around the little spring.
“You fellows are as thirsty as I am. Who found it? This boy? Then the finder is entitled to the first drink.”
“He’s declined. Drink, man, or it’s liable to disappear.”
They gravely watched General Rawlins throw himself down and quaff.
“Whew!” he gasped, pausing. “It’s a miracle—cold and sweet.”
They all drank—General Dodge, Major Dunn, and Terry last; they let the horses drink.
“I told you that a boy would be handy to have in camp and on the march, general,” slyly reminded General Dodge.