Having taken a hurried meal, we again yoked the oxen; and going behind with crowbars to assist, we commenced the ascent of the hill.  It was harder work than we expected, but, by making a zigzag course, in about half an hour we got to the top.  Looking ahead, the country appeared to be pretty level, with rocky hills rising out of it in various directions, but we expected to have no difficulty in making our onward way.  We had filled all our skin-bottles with water, and even should we meet with no more till the following day the cattle would not materially suffer.