He had the river on his right, and it now became an unfailing guide.

It had probably been raining much earlier in the mountains along the headwaters and the flood was already pouring down.

The river swished high against its banks and once or twice, when he caught dim glimpses of it through the trees, he saw a yellow torrent bearing much brushwood upon its bosom.
He had very little idea of his progress.

It was impossible to judge of pace under such circumstances.

The army might be ten miles further on or it might be only two.