t last old Sam declared that he could go no farther, and sank
down, begging the others to bring him water if they could find it. In
vain they tried to persuade him to move along, and they supported him
for some distance till they came to another sandhill, where they placed
him under some bushes which might afford some slight protection. Having
no fire-arms they could only leave him a pointed stick with which to
defend himself. They now hurried on, eager to obtain water not only for
themselves, but that they might rescue their shipmate from death. They
were almost sinking when their eyes were cheered by a grove of trees,
though still far off. Roger acknowledged that they could not have been
visible from where he had supposed he had seen them.

"They are date-trees!" he exclaimed. "They will afford us food, and
water we may hope to find under them."

As they reached the oasis their eyes were gladdened by the sight of a
small pool formed by a spring bubbling out of the earth. Falling on
their knees they eagerly baled the water into their mouths with their
hands. Thus revived, Jumbo was able to climb one of the trees and
obtain as many bunches of dates as they wanted. They now thought of
their old shipmate, but when the sun went down the sky became overcast,
and to find him in the dark seemed impossible.

"We cannot let him die," said Roger. "I am ready to run the risk."

"And I will go with you," said Stephen.

"I go too," said Jumbo.

And much as they would have enjoyed the rest under the trees, they
started without delay. Roger thought he knew the direction to take, and
in the cool air of night travelling was easier than in the daytime.
They did not trouble their heads about lions, or leopards, or beasts of
prey; though ready to sink with fatigue, they went on till they fancied
that they had reached the spot where they had left old Sam. They
shouted his name, but no answer came. They searched about, keeping
within hail of each other. At length Jumbo cried out, "Here he is, and
he no speak." They hurried up, but poor Sam was apparently at the last
gasp. Having poured some water, however, down his throat, he somewhat
revived.

"Thought you would never come back, mates," he said; "but give me some
more water and I will soon be myself again." After a second draught of
water Sam was able to eat a few dates, and now declared that he was
ready, if they wished it, to go with them to the oasis; but Stephen