Guarding themselves by the sound of running water, they set out for the river, and by slipping and sliding contrived to get down to its bank.

One of the horses, missing his footing, rolled down several hundred yards with his load, but sustained no injury.

The weather in the valley was less rigorous than on the hills.

The snow lay but ankle deep, and there was a quiet rain now falling.

After creeping along for six miles, they encamped on the border of the river.