Ned and Obed emerged from an obscurity as great as that of night.

The wind ceased shrieking and was succeeded by a stillness that was almost deathly in comparison.
The sun came out suddenly, and shone brightly over the dips and swells.
But Ned and Obed looked at each other and laughed.

Both were so thickly plastered with sand and dust that they had little human semblance.
Ned shook himself, and a cloud of dust flew from him, but so much remained that he could not tell the difference.
"I think we'd better take a drink out of our water bottles," said Obed.
"I'd like mighty well to have a bath, too, but I don't see a bath tub convenient.

Is there any sign of our friends, the enemy, Ned ?" "None," replied Ned, examining the horizon line.

"There is absolutely nothing within view on the plains." "Don't you fret about 'em.