To his delight he found a tiny brook of swift-running water.

Its faint tinge of amber reminded him of the spring at Cottonwoods, and the thought gave him a little shock.

The water was so cold it made his fingers tingle as he dipped the canteen.

Having returned to the cave, he was glad to see the girl drink thirstily.

This time he noted that she could raise her head slightly without his help.
"You were thirsty," he said.