They made a pause by the clear water for refreshment and then went on again, but only slowly, for the stowaway was very weak and the heat great, while it was piteous to see the brave effort he made to keep up with his load.
This at last was plainly too much for him, and he was relieved, Mark and the major taking it in turns.
But even then it was all the poor fellow could do to keep on walking, and the journey back proving longer than they had imagined, it was night and quite a couple of miles away when Jimpny broke down.
"I don't mind, gentlemen," he said; "I shall be so near the camp that I sha'n't mind." "Near the camp!" cried the major; "why, we are nearly an hour's walk away." "Yes, sir; but that can't matter now.

I know that there's someone in the place and that my trouble's over, so I can lie down here in the soft sand and go to sleep till morning, and then I shall be able to come on." "Here, Mark," said the major decisively, "pick out a comfortable spot somewhere.

Here, this will do--by this point.

We'll settle down here.
Leave the birds, my lad, and go on with the dog.

Ask the captain to send three men to help us back into camp.