Then they quit the stream at a point where the soil seemed least likely to leave traces of their footsteps, and stood for a little while upon the prairie, resting and shivering.

Then they started at a rapid pace across the country, pushing for the Rio Grande until noon.

Then Fields stalked and shot an antelope, with which they renewed their supply of food.

In the afternoon it rained heavily, but by dark they reached the Rio Grande, across which they made a dangerous passage, as the waters had risen, and stood once more on the soil of Texas.
"Thank God!" said Will.
"Thank God!" repeated Ned.
Then they looked for shelter, which all felt they must have..