His face showed a tinge of disappointment, as if his eyes failed to find objects for which they sought.

Again he gazed long and patiently into the south, but without reward.
He resumed his ride parallel with the river, but soon stopped a second time, and held up an open hand, like one who tests the wind.

The air was growing perceptibly colder.

The strong gusts were now fusing into a steady wind.

The day, which had not been bright at any time, was turning darker.