Quite certain of the general direction taken by the red men, they occasionally stooped down and passed their hands over the earth.

The trail was so distinct that it could be readily detected in this manner, provided they had not gone astray.

Several times they wandered to the right or left, but found their way back without difficulty, and the chase was continued for several hours in this singular fashion.
After a time, the trail became so fresh that it could be readily detected and no doubt was left in their minds that they were close upon the marauders.

Inasmuch as Carson and Godey had pushed their horses to the utmost, and they were showing signs of weariness, they concluded, in view of these facts, to halt and wait until daylight.
The night was unusually cold, but they dared not start a fire, lest it should apprise their enemies of their presence.

So they suffered in silence, miserable, wretched and as uncomfortable as it was possible to be, while watching for the growing light in the east.
When at last, morning appeared, they were so chilled that they could hardly walk; but making their way to the bottom of a ravine, they kindled a fire, and with the help of some violent exercise, managed to start their blood in circulation.
In a very brief time, their horses were resaddled and they were galloping along the trail again.