Here they built their camp-fire, whose cheerful glow illumined the forest far and wide, and which converted midnight glooms into almost midday radiance.

The horses were hobbled and turned out to graze on a luxuriant meadow.

It was supposed that the animals, weary of the day's journey, and finding abundant pasturage, would not stray far.

The travellers cooked their supper, and throwing themselves upon their couch of leaves, enjoyed that sound sleep which fatigue, health, and comfort give.
When they awoke in the morning the horses were all gone.

By examining the trail it seemed that they had taken the back-track in search of their homes.