They had intended to make Wakota, but missed the trail.

The day was fine, however, and that gave them no concern till the storm came up, when suddenly they had lost all sense of direction and allowed their ponies to take them where they would.

With the instinct bred on the plains, the ponies had made for the shelter of the Night Hawk ravine.

Up the ravine they had struggled till the darkness and the thick woods had forced them to abandon the ponies.
"I wonder what the poor things will do ?" interjected Marjorie.
"They'll look after themselves, never fear," said Kalman.
"They live out all winter here." Then through the drifts they had fought their way, till in the moment of their despair the dogs came upon them.
"We thought they were wolves," cried Marjorie, "till one began to bay, and I knew it was the fox-hound.

And then I was sure that you would not be far away.