For the week following the Overland Riders camped out in the same way, and nothing occurred to mar the life of freedom and happiness that they were leading.
The river had been left to the right of them, for the sake of what Joe said might be better going, and a fairly direct course was followed for several days more.

One night, however, they suddenly found themselves on the banks of the Little Big Branch where it had taken a deep bend.

Hippy declared that it had made the bend to be near Emma and murmur sweet nothings in her ear.
"Listen well, little one," he admonished.

"Tidings from the frozen north, as well as messages intended for our ears alone, may be borne to us through you.

It is mighty fortunate that we have you with us." The bank of the river was their camp that night.