In fact, he began to blame himself for having left them alone.
It would have been better to have let his cattle perish.

So thought he now.

A presentiment that all was not right was gradually forming in his mind; and he grew more anxious to proceed as he reflected.
They rode on in silence.

It was only on Hendrik expressing a doubt about the way, that the conversation recommenced.

Swartboy also thought they were taking a wrong course.
At first Von Bloom assured them they were right: but after going a little farther, he admitted that he was in doubt; and then, after another half-mile's travelling, he declared that he had lost the track.
He could no longer recognise any one of the marks or bearings he had taken.
The proper thing to be done under these circumstances was to leave the horses to themselves; and this all three well knew.