Then the others came four abreast.

At first there was some disposition to talk, but it was checked sharply by the leader, and after a while the disposition itself was lacking.
Colonel Winchester was a daring horseman, and Dick soon realized that it would be no light task to follow where he led.

Evidently he knew the country, as he rode with certainty over the worst roads that Dick had ever seen.

They were deep in mud which froze at night, but not solidly enough to keep the feet of the horses from crushing through, making a crackle as they went down and a loud, sticky sigh as they came out.

All were spattered with mud, which froze upon them, but they were so much inured to hardship now that they paid no attention to it.
But this rough riding soon showed so much effect upon the horses that Colonel Winchester led aside into the woods and fields, keeping parallel with the road.