On the contrary, he might, instead of making a capture, lose his own horse, were he to continue the chase; and that he well knew would be a terrible situation.
With the best grace he could, therefore, he abandoned the pursuit, leaving the mustang to scamper off alone.

He watched him for several minutes, until the latter, far, far away, faded like a white cloud into the pale blue of the horizon.
The young hunter now bethought him of returning to his companions.

In what direction was he to go?
He looked around for the butte.

There it was; but, to his astonishment, it lay directly before him, and nearer than when he last saw it! He had been all this while galloping towards it; but in his haste had not noticed this.

Lucien and Francois must be behind, thought he, and would soon come that way.