Then their pace became slower, and finally they stopped.
"Trail ended, captain." "What do you mean by the trail ended ?" Reuben asked angrily.

"Why, I can see a piece of wool, on there ahead." "Dat so, captain; but only a few sheep hab passed here." Some of the settlers dismounted and, having examined the ground carefully, declared that they were of the same opinion as the trackers.
"Very well," Reuben said; "then in that case, we must go back again to the foot of the hill.

They were all together there, and we must take up the trail afresh." On reaching the foot of the hill, Jim and some of the settlers joined the trackers, and penetrated the bush in all directions.
Each returned bringing in pieces of wool.
"It is plain enough," Reuben said, "what they have done.

They have broken up into small parties, and have scattered.

The question is, 'What are we to do now ?' "What do you think, Mr.Blount?
You have had more experience than anyone here, and you are the most interested in our overtaking these rascals.