Yet he would not despair.

Anything might happen.

It was night.
There was little organization in the army of the Indians and of their white allies, which was giving itself up to the enjoyment of scalps and torture.

Moreover, he and Paul were, animated by the love of life, which is always stronger than the desire to give death.
Their flight led them in a diagonal line toward the mountains.

Only once did the pursuers give tongue.