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 XI

SEEKING THE LOST RIVER

"It's no use to march farther on this line, doctor."

Doctor Robinson answered promptly.

"I think you're right, lieutenant. We're getting nowhere, only deeper into the mountains. Men and horses are about at the end of their strength. There seems to be nothing ahead, except more cold, hunger and blind scrambling."

"The men are brave fellows," said the lieutenant. "That human beings, half fed and near naked, should be called upon to endure such marches and camps, amidst snow and zero weather, is almost more than can be expected from even soldiers. Their pay is a pittance, they don't know where they're going, they were not prepared for winter, yet I've heard not a word of complaint. When we return to the United States, the Government surely will reward them."

The lieutenant and the doctor, with Stub, were standing upon a high ridge some distance from camp. A week had passed since they all had entered the dry valley, to follow the trail north from the