Chapter 11Although the day had started out blissfully cool, it only got hotter as the hours moved on. To save their horses at the hottest part of the afternoon, the Railwalkers went on foot. The flat stretches of desert began to curve with every mile, until forming mountains at the edge of the horizon. The brush scratched and scraped their boots, and the hot air strangled them. Despite this, they were careful with their water, and only had occasional sips to keep themselves living. More than once, Violet saw buzzards overhead. She ignored the unsettling feeling they brought with them.
For countless days they traversed the desert. They ate the freshest food first, to prevent spoil, and left each morning before sunup. Their plan, according to Mei, was to travel until reaching the Rio Grande
