For some minutes they deliberated, uncertain how to act.

Would they ride along its edge, and endeavour to find a crossing-place?
Or would it be better to retrace their steps, and attempt to reach the stream which they had left in the morning?
The latter was a fearful alternative, as they knew they could not pass the marmot hillocks in the darkness without losing time and encountering danger.

It is discouraging at all times to _go back_, particularly as they had ridden so far--they believed that water would be found near the butte.

They resolved, at length, to search for a crossing.
With this intention they made a fresh start, and kept along the edge of the barranca.

They chose the path that appeared to lead upward--as by so doing they believed they would the sooner reach a point where the chasm was shallower.