I could hide, but a man must live.

Never mind about me, Jennie." In three days Duane was able with great difficulty to mount his horse.
During daylight, by short relays, he and Jennie rode back to the main trail, where they hid again till he had rested.

Then in the dark they rode out of the canons and gullies of the Rim Rock, and early in the morning halted at the first water to camp.
From that point they traveled after nightfall and went into hiding during the day.

Once across the Nueces River, Duane was assured of safety for her and great danger for himself.

They had crossed into a country he did not know.