the hook at that last throw. We shall have to let
them settle down before we try to get the water, but I've hooked the
chain fast."

"Then we can do the rest after dark," said the doctor.

"Well, not quite, sir. We shall have to bring a light to find the end
of the rope and see that there are none of the reptiles hanging on to
it."

"Yes, exactly."

"Why not bring one of the mules next time?" cried Chris eagerly.

"What for?" said Griggs sharply.

"To make fast the line to his saddle or pack, and let him drag the
barrels over the sand."

"Good!" cried Griggs.

"Excellent!" said the doctor.

"I wonder whether the snakes will follow when the kegs are being dragged
over the sand?" said Bourne.

"I don't think they will, sir," said the American. "They might perhaps
if there are any about after dark, but there are lots of small stones
about where they lie, and the critters will have an ugly time of it
ground under those two heavy tubs."

"I'm in hopes that we shall have no further trouble," said the doctor
thoughtfully. "The only thing to decide now is, how long had we better
wait?"

"An hour," said Wilton decisively; and that hour was passed in luxury,
for a soft cool air came whispering among the reeking stones which had
been bathing all day long in the sunshine, and there was a crispness and
revivifying sensation in that gentle evening breeze which seemed to
affect even the animals, the mules crouching down in the sand and the
horses standing facing the quarter from which the wind blew, as if
satisfied to wait for the water that they instinctively expected would
come.

The hour seemed long, and then with a dull star-like lanthorn Griggs
began to pick his way through the transparent darkness, holding the
light low in his lookout for enemies, till the end of the rope was
found, though not without difficulty, the boys, who led one of the mules
between them, having to stop at last and wait till the search came to an
end.

"No snakes about here," said Griggs, in a low voice; "bring the mule on,
lads. That's right. Now then, turn. Back him a little more."

This was done, the rope made fast to the pack-saddle, and all was ready.

"Now," said the doctor, "will the enemy follow the two kegs or no?
Forward!"

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

SADDLE NAPS.

The start was made in the direction of the spot where the rest of the
train was gathered together, and with all present feeling flushed with
excitement and