They pricked up their ears, snuffed the air, then began to rush forward with all the speed their exhausted strength would allow.

The sagacious animals had scented water at the distance of nearly a mile.

It was a clear running stream, fringed with grass and shrubs.

When the first mule reached the water, the remainder were scattered for a great distance along the trail.

Here the party encamped and remained for two days to recruit.
The bags of deerskin were again filled with water and the journey was resumed.