William, we must not forget to return thanks to a merciful God, and to
beg his care over us for this night. We little know what the day may
bring forth. Good-night!"



Chapter XVI

William slept as sound as if he had been on shore in England upon a
soft bed in a warm room - so did old Ready; and when they awoke the
next morning it was broad daylight. The poor dogs were suffering for
want of water, and it pained William to see them with their tongues
out, panting and whining as they looked up to him. "Now, William," said
Ready, "shall we take our breakfast before we start, or have a walk
first?"

"Ready, I cannot really drink a drop of water myself, and I am thirsty,
unless you give a little to these poor dogs."

"I pity the poor dumb creatures as much as you do, Master Willy; it is
kindness to ourselves and them too, which makes me refuse it to them.
However, if you like, we will take a walk first, and see if we can find
any water. Let us first go to the little dell to the right, and if we
do not succeed, we will try farther on where the water has run down
during the rainy season." William was very glad to go, and away they
went, followed by the dogs, Ready having taken up the spade, which he
carried on his shoulder. They soon came to the dell, and the dogs put
their noses to the ground, and snuffed about. Ready watched them; at
last they lay down panting.