On and on they raced. Sometimes Russ was ahead, and again Laddie would be. But, just as they came near the bridge, the pony Russ was on slowed up a bit. Laddie's pony kept on, and so he won the race.
"But I don't care," said Russ kindly. "After we rest a bit at the bridge we'll have another race and I'll win that one."
"I hope you do, then we'll be even," said Laddie.
The little boys got off their ponies and looked about them. The ponies began to eat the green grass, and Laddie and Russ were looking for a shady place in which to cool off when they suddenly heard a groan. It was quite loud, and seemed to come from near the bridge. Then a voice called:
"Water! Oh, some one get me a drink of water!"
CHAPTER XXIII
THE BOYS' WELL
"Did you hear that?" asked Russ of Laddie, as they stared about them.
"Course I heard it."