noon
All the girls were looking forward to the mountains where shade , spring water and cooling breezes awaited them . Some of them were filled with curiosity as to what else awaited them there , having in mind the prophecy of the desert rider whom they had succored . It was with thoughts of the mountains , and with eager eyes searching the horizon ahead , that the Overland Riders set out for their day 's journey on the following morning . A brief stop was made at noon for a cup of tea and biscuits , after which the daily search for a water hole was begun . As night approached , the search became more intensive , but it was not until after nightfall that a tank was found . A full moon hung in the heavens and the night was a beautiful one , a peaceful , restful desert night . Camp was quickly made a short distance removed from the water hole , and , after water had been supplied to the ponies , and the water bags and pails filled , the party sat down to supper and to a discussion of the topic uppermost in their minds -- the attack that had been made on them , and the mysterious horseman .