midday
Our outfit therefore was cheerful to a man , and jokes and songs helped to while away the weary hours of the night . The second guard , under Flood , pushed the cattle off their beds an hour before dawn , and before they were relieved had urged the herd more than five miles on the third day 's drive over this waterless mesa . In spite of our economy of water , after breakfast on this third morning there was scarcely enough left to fill the canteens for the day . In view of this , we could promise ourselves no midday meal -- except a can of tomatoes to the man ; so the wagon was ordered to drive through to the expected water ahead , while the saddle horses were held available as on the day before for frequent changing of mounts . The day turned out to be one of torrid heat , and before the middle of the forenoon , the cattle lolled their tongues in despair , while their sullen lowing surged through from rear to lead and back again in piteous yet ominous appeal . The only relief we could offer was to travel them slowly , as they spurned every opportunity offered them either to graze or to lie down . It was nearly noon when we reached the last divide , and sighted the scattering timber of the expected watercourse .