Force of will made him return to the group and he sought for what he wanted.

Evidently the firing had been hot there and the rest of the patrol had not lingered in their flight.
He took from one man a pair of blankets.

He could have had his choice of two or three good rifles, but he passed them by in favor of a large automatic pistol which would not be in the way.

This had been carried by a young man whom he took to be an officer, and he also found on him many cartridges for the pistol.

Then he searched their knapsacks for food, finding plenty of bread and sausage and filling with it one knapsack which he put over his shoulder.
He returned hastily to his horse, guided him around the fatal spot, and when he was some distance on the other side dismounted and ate as only a half-starved man can eat.