"Poor lad! Poor lad!" which fell on his ear. His brow was deliciously
cool, and his throat less parched; and he recognised that it was the man
whose wonderful journey to Merv had so enthralled him when he read of it
who had now spared the water, which was life, to damp his brow and give
him respite; and he was certain that it was Mr O'Donovan, the newspaper
correspondent, now accompanying the army of Hicks Pasha, who had saved
his life.

Howard, who came up at the moment, was almost awe-struck at the
sacrifice.

"I have known one man allow his veins to be drained to supply the life-
blood which might be infused into the veins of his friend; but what was
that to sparing water _now_!" he said.

The patience and discipline of the men during this trying time were
admirable; there was no grumbling, no repining against their leaders;
and just fancy how the sturdy Briton would have growled!

The officers did their best to cheer them up, assuring them that they
were certain to reach the wells that afternoon, and always bearing an
air of confidence in the future before them. But when they were alone
together, and looked into each other's eyes, it was evident that they
thought they were in a very desperate position.

However, let them reach and carry El Obeid without too great delay, and
all would yet be right. Their assurance to the men concerning the wells
was verified; and when they approached the mud-holes which bore that
name, discipline for once broke down. First the Bashi-Bazooks urged
their fainting steeds to a gallop; then the infantry broke from their
ranks and hurried forward; and had the enemy come down in force at that
moment, they would have had an easy prey. But, oh horror! The puddles
were choked with the putrefying bodies of men, horses, and camels, who,
wounded in a recent fight near the spot, had crawled hither to drink,
and die.

Thirst, however, overcame disgust; the contaminating carcases were
dragged away, and many plunged their faces in the filthy pools. Others
had the self-control to dig or scrape holes for themselves, and wait
till a purer water had percolated into them, when they slowly satisfied
themselves and their faithful horses, and then managed to collect a
supply for the next march.

Wonderful was the effect of the water, when at last a sufficiency for
all had trickled out. The musicians found their instruments, and played
once more; the outposts stepped off to their stations wit