Their supply of water was limited, and the exhausted ponies must wait until they reached the river to quench their thirst.
Yet this was not very far off now, and Keith had seen enough of their surroundings to locate the position of the ford.

Slow as they must proceed, three hours more would surely bring them to the bank of the stream.

They discussed their plans briefly as the three sat together on the warm sand, revived both by the food and the brief rest.

There was not a great deal to be determined, only where the girl should be left, and how the two men had better proceed to escape observation.
Fort Larned was the nearest and safest place for their charge, none of the party expressing any desire to adventure themselves within the immediate neighborhood of Carson City.

What her future plans might be were not revealed, and Keith forebore any direct questioning.