Imagine yourself surrounded by these conditions. A companion who could not talk, and who was, in all probability, demented, the eternal silence, except as it would be occasionally startled into life by some living thing; unable to even indicate his thoughts, or to consult with him, as to direction, or to talk about the probabilities beyond them, and you will feel that it took a brave heart to continue the journey. But Harry possessed determination. He made up his mind to go on, until he could find some news to take back, and so the quest continued for two hours more.
But Harry had forgotten that they started without food, and that it would take them as long to get back as they had already journeyed, and it was now fully noon.
It seemed as though a hundred feet away it appeared clearer, but this delusion had been repeated so often that he tired of it, and when, after a rest, another start was made, he mentally made up his mind that if he could not find a clearing within the next half hour they must return.
The clearing beyond did not deceive him this time. He clearly saw an elevation beyond, and he almost shouted, but he did not stop and laugh in his joy at the sight. John saw it and instinctively knew its meaning. Then, motioning to him, he pointed back in the direction of the wagon, and started to retrace his steps.
It was past noon, and Harry was hungry. John turned and followed and, glancing at the sun, drew a small package from his coat, and handed Harry several slices of barley bread. It affected him so much that he could scarcely contain himself, and he could not help putting his arm about him and indicate that his forethought and kind act was appreciated, and John looked at Harry inquiringly, and proceeded to eat his luncheon.
Judging the time which had elapsed since the start in the morning, it would take them fully five hours to retrace their steps, as the glazed trees showed them the way readily, and they could, therefore, make the trip in less than six hours consumed up to this time, so that they would be back before six in the evening, but they had found the outlet, and determination had won.
The passage back through the forest was made with a happy heart, and after they had gone two hours, John suddenly stopped, and grasped Harry by the arm as he peered forward. Harry heard something before them. Crackling leaves, and finally voices, were distinguished. They thought the team must be miles away. John moved forward fully fifty feet, and Harry followed. Soon the wagon top came in sight, and Harry bounded along the blazed trail, with a cry, of relief.
Jack's lacerated shoulder was not as bad as had been anticipated, and toward noon the lameness was not so perceptible, so that, in order to save time, it was concluded to follow the blazed path, which could be made out easily, thus bringing them together fully three hours earlier than Harry had anticipated.
Harry explained what had been seen to the west, and that three or four hours more of hard travel would bring them to an open country which, in all probability, led to the West River.
All was eagerness now, and they pressed forward, hoping to be able to reach the open country before night set in.