Long before night a far greater grievance was felt,--the want of water.
In their hurry to escape from the desolate scene at the kraal, Von Bloom had not thought of bringing a supply in the wagon--a sad oversight, in a country like South Africa, where springs are so rare, and running streams so uncertain.

A sad oversight indeed, as they now learnt--for long before night they were all crying out for water--all were equally suffering from the pangs of thirst.
Von Bloom thirsted, but he did not think of himself, except that he suffered from self-accusation.

He blamed himself for neglecting to bring a needful supply of water.

He was the cause of the sufferings of all the rest.

He felt sad and humbled on account of his thoughtless negligence.
He could promise them no relief--at least none until they should reach the spring.