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The shimmering waves of heat from the blazing sun made Abby's eyelids flutter. She watched as three small figures searched the distant mountain slope. |
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"We'll find Abby," Arlen assured Lucy, who clutched his hand. |
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"I'm here!" Abby cried, but they could not hear her. |
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They looked exhausted. More than once, Arlen saved Lucy from tripping in her long skirt over a rock or bush. Below, on the desert floor, sat the wagons that oxen had pulled through the gorge. |
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As the sun dipped lower, Lucy looked up at Arlen, her petite features brave. "You are dear to help, but the others have given up, and I know where your duty lies." She touched the hollow of his cheek as tears spilled from her eyes. "Our entire party will perish if we do not go on and find water." |
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