He wished them luck and the two trains parted company.
At the end of three days of travel on the Smith trail they came to the top of a long steep hill.

The trail went down and down, and they see no way of crossing the terribly deep canon that was before them.

So they went into camp and sent explorers out to investigate and find a crossing if possible.
On the second day the explorers began to return with very unfavorable reports, and many who found their progress thus blocked turned about and started to follow Hunt.

Most of the wagons which remained had each one or more of their men out exploring and could not turn back until their return.

Several of the Jayhawkers having once started on this route were very anxious to get through on it if a way could be found for them to do it, and therefore searched farther and with greater determination than the others.