CHAPTER IV
THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
"You are not going to ride into town in daylight, are you?" demanded Ned in surprise.
Though they had sighted the town of Eureka early in the morning, it was well along in the afternoon before they finally came up with it. Desert distances are deceptive and the further they journeyed the less headway did they seem to be making. This surprised all save the guide.
Parry explained to them that the clear air brought distant objects much closer than they really were.
"We are going into town exactly as we are," replied the guide in answer to Ned's question. "Why not?"
"Well, maybe you are, but I'm not," returned Ned.
"It may improve your complexion, young man," retorted Mr. Parry.
"I'll stay out here and hide on the desert while the rest of you go on in," said Ned.
"No, you don't," shouted the lads all at once. "You go willingly or we carry you."