human
Not a bad dodge, eh? acquiesced Renshaw, in response to his companion's remark.
gpt
The water has a leathery taste, I admit, but it's better than none at all. I hit upon the idea when I first began these expeditions. Something of the kind was absolutely essential. Trekking with waggons you carry the ordinary _vaatje_--a small drum-shaped keg-- slung between the wheels, but it's an inconvenient thing to load up on a horse--in fact, the second attempt I made the concern got loose and rolled the whole way down a mountain-side--of course, splintering to atoms. Besides, this thing holds more and keeps the water cooler. I came near dying of thirst that time, being three nights and two days without a drop of anything; for this is a mighty dry country, I needn't tell you.
human
What if the whole yarn should turn out moonshine after all? said Sellon, with the despondency of a thoroughly exhausted man.
gpt
There's one thing about it that looks fishy. How could what's his name-- Greenway--wounded as he was, fetch your place in two or three days? Why, it'll take us nearly a week to do it--if not quite.
human
That very thing struck me at first, said Renshaw, quietly, shredding up a piece of Boer tobacco.
gpt
My impression is, he didn't come back the same way he went. You see, he knew the country thoroughly. He may have taken a short cut and come straight over the mountains. For I'm pretty sure the way we are taking is an altogether roundabout one.
human
Then why couldn't the fellow have told you the shorter one, instead of sending us round three sides of a square?
gpt
That's soon explained. In the first place, this way is easier to find, the landmarks more unmistakable, and the travelling better. In the second, you must remember the poor old chap was at his last gasp. It's a good thing for you, Sellon, that he was, for if he had only lived half an hour longer--even a quarter--he'd have given fuller details and I should have found the place long ago. Look how disjointed the last part of his story is, just the main outlines, trusting to me to fill in detail. I tell you, it was quite pitiable to see the manful effort he made to keep up until he had said his say.