When he turned westward the result was the same, and then it became evident that there was no flaw in the iron ring.

He could not go through to Porter, he could not go back to his own army, but Vicksburg invited him as a guest.
He would make the trial at night.

It was a long wait, but he dared not risk it by day, and, going back into one of the ravines, he sought a secluded and sheltered place.

Threshing the bushes to drive away possible snakes, he crawled into a clump and lay there.

Resolved to be patient in spite of everything, he did not stir, but listened to the far throbbing of the cannon which poured an incessant storm of missiles upon unhappy Vicksburg.
The warmth and the heavy air in the ravine were relaxing.