They would have drifted beyond doubt, farther than Hughes supposed, probably, as he had been sheltered from the real violence of the wind as it raged on the open plain.

They might be fifteen, even twenty miles away, and so completely drifted in as to be undiscoverable except through accident.

What course then was best to pursue?
The storm was likely to continue violent for a day, perhaps two days longer.

His horses were exhausted, and Carroll helpless.

It might not even be safe to leave the latter alone.