Traveling fast was impossible, and any moment he might miss the road that led off to the left.

So he was compelled to give all his attention to peering into the thick shadows ahead.

As good luck would have it, he came to higher ground where there was less mesquite, and therefore not such impenetrable darkness; and at this point he came to where the road split.
Once headed in the right direction, he felt easier in mind.

To his annoyance, however, a fine, misty rain set in.

Jennie was not well dressed for wet weather; and, for that matter, neither was he.