Ned suddenly sprang aside, shuddering.

A Mexican, slain in the battle, lay upon his side.
But Obed was practical.
"I know it's unpleasant to touch him," he said, "but he may have what we need.

Ah, here is a pistol and bullets for it, and a flask of powder which his own body has helped to keep dry.

It's likely that we'll have use for these before we get through, and so I'll take 'em." He quickly secured the pistol and ammunition, and they went on, traveling rapidly westward.

The rain ceased entirely in twenty minutes, and all the clouds passed away, but night came in their place, covering their flight with its friendly mantle.