“But the lookout forward does not seem promising,” said the doctor, raising his double glass to his eyes and sweeping the horizon.
“No, sir, it looks like warm stuff out of the kegs to-night, and none to spare for a wash.”
“I’m afraid so,” said the doctor, closing his glass and drawing rein so as to let Wilton and Bourne close up. “Tired, Chris—Ned?”
“Oh no,” they replied.
“It’s soon in the day yet, father,” added Chris.
“That seems a pity about the water, Griggs,” said Ned, as they rose slowly on. “Oh how I should like a good swim in a clear river!”
“Wouldn’t be amiss; but when you can’t get beef, mutton ain’t bad.”
“I knew that,” said Chris dryly.
“But you don’t seem to know that when you can’t get plenty of water for bathing, nice clean sand isn’t a bad thing for a good dry wash. It’s better without soap too.”
Chris laughed.