It seemed to have leaped into new life with the knowledge that there was nothing now to assuage it.
The boy sat down on a small projection of brickwork, and considered his case.

He had been more than twelve hours without water under a fierce sun.

His thirst would not increase so fast at night, but it would increase, nevertheless, and the Mexican force might linger below a week.
Certainly its camp was of such a character that it would remain at least two or three days, and any risk was preferable to a death of thirst.

He could wait no longer.
Now chance which had been so cruel flung a straw his way.

The night was darker than usual.