There had not been a breath of air stirring since morning; not a blade of grass, not a leaf quivered.

The skies burned like a sheet of copper.
The boys panted, and their clothing, wet with perspiration, clung to them.

The earth was hot under their feet.

Quickly they threw off their garments and sprang into the water.

How cool and grateful it felt! There they lingered long, and did not notice the sudden obscurity of the sun and darkening of the southwest.
A slight wind sprang up presently, and the dry leaves and grass began to rustle.