Sidney lay there panting, his parched nostrils unable properly to admit air to his lungs, and his mouth and throat so swollen and dry that but little aid was possible that way. For a few moments he nearly lost consciousness; then came a remembrance of the salvation that was so near, and he struggled to his feet and staggered the few yards to the little stream. Throwing himself on the ground, with his scooped hand he dashed water into his mouth and over his face. Oh, the blessed, indescribable relief that moisture gave! But with the return of reason that it brought came the memory of his brother, and with an almost superhuman effort of self-restraint, Sidney dipped up water in his hat and went back to Raymond. Kneeling by the unconscious boy’s side, he plunged his hand into the water and dripped the life-giving fluid into Raymond’s mouth and over his face. Occasionally he allowed himself the luxury of a sip, but he resolutely refused to allow his own desire to interfere with his ministry to his brother, until Raymond began to stir and opened his eyes. CHAPTER XII RESTING The return of the boys to anything like a normal condition was very slow, though Sidney had the courage and good sense to parcel out the water, both to himself and to Raymond. He allowed his brother to take only a swallow or two at intervals, and he restrained himself in the same way. At first it required a self-control that was almost beyond his strength, but as they absorbed the restoring fluid their ravening, consuming appetite decreased, and it became a joy, instead of a tantalizing torture, to sip the water slowly. Presently, too, as their mouths and throats became softened they were able to talk, if not with ease, at least with little difficulty. “That was as near as I want to come to passing in my checks, Sid,” said Raymond as they lay on the sand below the cañon wall. “Yes, it was quite close enough.” “I would have done it, too, if I had been alone. You must have just dragged me down the mountain.” “You didn’t seem very anxious to come, and that’s a fact.” “You know, Sid, I don’t remember a thing after we lay down last night, but I had the most delightful dreams.” “You didn’t act as though they were delightful.” “Why, what did I do?” “You kept jumping up and calling out.” “And keeping you awake, I suppose.” “Yes, a little.” “Poor old Sid; you have a hard time getting me through.” “But when it comes to gun play, then you take care of us both.” “Well, that’s one thing I can do,--handle a gun.” “I hope you’ll not have any more of it to do, though.” “Do you think, Sid, that we are safe here? I haven’t looked, but I should think the trail that we missed last night must pass through this gorge.” “Yes, it does. I saw the tracks out there in the sand.”