Tom knew that, in the ordinary course of events, the sun ought to rise in the east and set in the west.
If he was going to the north, the sun would rise on his right hand--if to the south, on his left hand.

The streaks of light grew more and more distinct, and the clouds having rolled away, he satisfied himself where the sun would appear.

Contrary to both wings of his theory, the place was neither on his right nor his left, for it was exactly behind him.

But his position might be upon a bend of the railroad whose direction did not correspond with the general course of the road.

For half an hour longer, therefore, he pursued his way, carefully noting every curve, until he was fully convinced that his course was nearer west than north.