He had never realized how vast this country was before.

When he came westward on the train he did not remember to have traversed such long stretches of country without a sign of civilization, though of course a train went so much faster than a horse that he had no adequate means of judging.

Then, besides, they were on no trail now, and had probably gone in a most roundabout way to anywhere.

In reality they had twice come within five miles of little homesteads, tucked away beside a stream in a fertile spot; but they had not known it.

A mile further to the right at one spot would have put them on the trail and made their way easier and shorter, but that they could not know.
The girl did not rest long.