The animals were there, but as the young hunters approached they took to flight. Having meat enough, they did not feel justified in firing a shot after them.
On reaching the spot, great was their disappointment to find that although there had been a little water, the pallahs had drunk it almost dry, while the remainder had sunk through the bottom, in which their feet had trampled. Not a drop could they obtain.
The wood formed an oasis in the wilderness; for farther on the country assumed the same barren, arid aspect as before.
“We must either go back to the fountain we left this morning, or push our way over this stony ground as fast as we can,” said Denis.
“Let us go on,” answered Percy; “we may find water again before long, or may fall in with the waggon.”
“Then I vote we fortify ourselves first with some meat,” said Denis; and collecting some wood, they speedily had a fire lighted, and some of the venison roasting before it.
Eager to prosecute their journey, after a short rest, they again set off. Night overtook them, however, and they had only just time to reach some bushes, which afforded but slight shelter and a scanty supply of firewood, before darkness came on.
They laboured in collecting sticks as long as the light lasted, and then, having made up their fire, cooked and eaten their supper, and drunk the remainder of their water, they lay down close to it, fatigue preventing them from troubling their minds as to what might happen during the night.