Edgar alighted and found the heat almost insupportable.

There was glaring sand all about him, and the breeze which swept the prairie was cut off by the hill in front.
"You'll have to help the team," George told him, as he went to the horses' heads.
Edgar and the hired man each seized a wheel and endeavored to start the vehicle, while the horses plunged in the slipping sand.

They made a few yards, with clouds of grit flying up about them, and afterward came to a stop again.

Next they tried pushing; and after several rests they arrived, breathless and gasping, at the crest of the rise.

There was a big hollow in front, and on the opposite side a ridge which looked steeper than the last one.
"How much do you think there is of this ?" Edgar inquired.
"I can't say," George answered.