The moon and stars did not come out, and troops of clouds stalked up from the southwest.

Ned knew that it was a land of little rain, and for a few moments he had a wild hope that in some manner he might catch enough water for his use on the crest of the pyramid.

But reason soon drove the hope away.

There was no depression which would hold water, and he resolved instead to make the descent under cover of the darkness.
When he had come to this resolution the thirst was not so fierce.
Indecision being over, both his physical and mental courage rose.

He ate and had left enough food to last for two days, which he fastened securely in a pack to his body.