Joe’s father’s temper was also wrought up.
“Did something hold you back?” he asked.
“Yes,” Joe answered quietly. “Several things kept us from returning sooner. But it may interest you more if we tell you that we’ve found water.”
“Water!” Mr. Lewis was all excitement. “You mean—you actually have located a well?”
Mr. Holton and Dr. Kirshner listened breathlessly. Fekmah translated joyfully to Tishmak.
“Not exactly a well,” returned Bob, “but something just as good. An underground pool. And how cool it is! Come on,” he added. “I know you’re all dying for a drink.”
Hastily the men followed their young companions over to the large cliff. Then, after crawling through the small opening, they found themselves at the edge of the pool of bubbling water.
For a moment the men could hardly believe their eyes. At last! Water!
Suddenly, as though urged on by some unseen power, they bent down and drank until they could hold no more. It was pleasure unthinkable!
At last Dr. Kirshner straightened up.