The tired ones were taking a rest.

No one needed it more than our women and children, who were tired nearly out.

They were in much better condition to endure their daily hardships than when they started out, and a little rest would make them feel quite fresh again.

They understood that this was almost on the western edge of this desert country and this gave them good hope and courage.
This wonderful spot in the level plain, with a spring of pure water making an oasis of green willows and grass has been previously spoken of as:--"A spring of good water, and a little willow patch in a level desert away from any hill." In all our wanderings we had never seen the like before.

No mountaineer would ever think of looking here for water, much less ever dream of finding a lone spring away out in the desert, several miles from the mountain's base.