"Yes, if you think it is safe to do so."
Parry shrugged his shoulders.
"Death Valley is no better than its name. If you wish merely to see it, I think I can gratify your desire."
"Yes, yes, we want to see Death Valley," chorused the boys. "Don't be afraid for us."
"I'll try to get some water bags from the horse-hunters when we join them; for the further south one goes on the desert the more scarce the water becomes."
The sun was lying low by this time and the advance guard of the evening coolness began crowding back the heat of the day.
"I wonder what has become of Chunky?" questioned Tad suddenly, rising from the ground where he had thrown himself in the shade of the tent.
The others glanced quickly about them.
"Probably find him asleep behind a bunch of sage somewhere," answered Ned lightly. "Don't trouble yourself about him."
"Perhaps over by the water hole," suggested the guide. "I'll stroll over that way."