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"There were so many of his tribe who had died from thirst," Arlen explained as the Indian walked off by himself. "The children, the oldeveryone was suffering, and he could do nothing to help. He nevertheless asked for water for us, even though I could see how much it hurt him to suggest taking anything from his dying people." |
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Abby had told the others of her discovery of the wash, and now she revealed it to Arlen. The wagon master looked excited but, calling to Hunwet to rejoin them, deferred to him. |
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The Indian seemed puzzled. "I thought I knew all ways through the desert," he said. "Although this area is not of my people, we have learned what we could from other tribes. But we will see." |
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Abby mounted a horse, and Arlen, Hunwet, and she rode in the direction of the wash. When they reached it, the two men looked at the winding path that severed the mountain, growing more and more excited. |
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"It is a way that should not be taken in the rain," Hunwet cautioned, "for in such a wash there would be quick floods that kill all in their paths." |
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Arlen looked up at the blue, cloudless sky. "Not much likelihood of that," he said. He turned to Abby and smiled. "Let's find out where it leads." |
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The three began their way along the wash, their horses at a walk. The sides of the canyon twisted and turned, sloping gradually at first, then stretching to the towering cliffs rising starkly above. Abby thought of the irony of the |
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