One of their number had already died of thirst and fatigue and all were suffering terribly.
The valley seemed about eight miles across, and before they were half way over Mr.Ischam, one of their party sat down, perfectly exhausted, and said he could not take another step.

No one was able to assist him or give him a drink of water, and they could not tarry to see if rest would refresh him.

They could only look sadly at him and pass on in silence, for he seemed fast wasting away.

The thought came to everyone that perhaps it would be his turn next to sit down and see the others pass on.

In fact the probability of any more of them living another day was very poor, for they all grew weaker and weaker with every hour, and no one knew how many hours must pass before they could hope for water.
There was not moisture enough in their poor bodies to make tears, and no one dare open his mouth, lest all the moisture suddenly evaporate and respiration cease.
Those who had no cattle took different courses to reach the hills and mountains on the west side of this valley, hoping there to find water and signal to the others if they were successful.