All this required time, and he was constantly tortured with the recollection that his charge was suffering with thirst. With the improvised cup full of water, he hastened to the almost fainting girl and said gladly:
"I have found pure, sweet water in abundance. Drink of this, and we will go at once to the spring."
She eagerly seized the leaf cup and drank, then found herself strong enough to cross the hill to the precious fountain.
John left one of the guns with her, the other was at the spring; but the sword and pistols he kept at his belt.
Taking the provisions and musket they set out for the spring. Here they bathed their hot faces and refreshed themselves.
"Now let us have food," said John.
The sea-biscuit and dried fish were wholesome, and they ate with a relish. John Stevens wanted to climb a lofty hill about two miles away, from which he hoped to have a good view of the surrounding country.
"Can we from there determine what land we are on?" she asked.
"I hope so."
"If there be cities, will we see them?"