It was damp and wretched, and they were all half starved with cold and oppressed by fears.

Indeed some of the Settlement men were so terrified that they openly lamented having suffered their sense of shame and loyalty to overcome their determination to retreat.

Now they could not do so, for the malcontents among them did not dare to retrace their steps alone; moreover, Leonard spoke plainly on the matter, telling them that he would drive away the first man who attempted any insubordination.
Soaked through, shivering, and miserable, they pursued their march across the unknown plain, Soa, who seemed to grow hourly grimmer now that she was in her own country, stalking ahead of them as guide.

It was warmer walking than sitting still, and in one respect their lot was bettered, for a little wind stirring the mist from time to time revealed gleams of the watery sun.

All that day they journeyed on, seeing no more of the man who had shot the arrow, or his fellows, till at length darkness drew near again.
Then they halted, and Leonard and Otter walked to and fro searching for a suitable place to make the camp and pitch their solitary tent.
Presently Otter shouted aloud.