At last, after four hours' steady riding, a gleam of color was seen
in the distance, and in another quarter of an hour they reached the
unburned plains, which, worn and parched as they were, looked
refreshing indeed after the dreary waste over which they had
passed.
The Gauchos, after a consultation among themselves, agreed in the
opinion that the little stream of which they had spoken was but a
short distance further, and that, although the channel might be
dry, pools would no doubt be found in it. It was determined,
therefore, to push on, and half an hour's riding by the edge of the
burned grass brought them to the spot, when, following the course
of the channel, they soon came to a pool, from which men and horses
took a long drink.
At their approach an immense number of wild duck rose, and, as soon
as the horses were picketed Charley again started with the gun,
taking Terence with him to assist in bringing home the birds. They
soon heard his gun, and Terence presently returned with six brace
of ducks and a goose, and a request that another man would go back
with him, for that the birds were so abundant, and so apparently
stupefied from flying over the smoke and flame, that he could bring
in any quantity.
One of the Jamiesons and Herries therefore went out, and returned
in less than an hour with Charley, bringing between them four more
geese and eighteen brace of ducks.
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