“A great lake that stretched out as far as we could see.”
There was a faint cheer at this, and the boy smiled.
“But there are big ’gators in it.”
“I don’t care if there are crocodiles in it half-a-mile long,” cried Griggs. “We’re going to have our share. Then it’s beyond the salt desert?”
“Oh yes. Beautiful green country, with mountains and trees.”
“Within half-a-day’s journey,” said the doctor. “Then I think we may give the poor beasts what water there is left.”
“Yes, sir,” said Griggs. “I’ll give ’em my share; but I never grudged parting with it so much before in my life. Shall I begin?”
“Yes, poor things; but they will not have much apiece even now.”
Griggs laughed.
“No, sir,” he said. “Skeeter would get outside the whole half-barrel if you gave him a chance, and then roll round the whites of his eyes and ask for more.”