Hence the most important thing to do was to get forward without any loss of time.

He had a full night's start of the scout, who could only press his pursuit by daylight, when the trail was visible, and there was no reason why the three men who had the lad in charge should allow the fleetest-footed mustang to catch up with them.
Fred, as may be supposed, was gratified to find his companions so suddenly and greatly reduced in number, for it seemed to him at once that his chances of escape were increased tenfold.

It simplified matters.

It did not occur to him that three vigilant Indians were as effective as three hundred, and that in a certain sense his prospect of deliverance was diminished rather than increased.

He was a boy and as hopeful as his years.
The day remained sunshiny and pleasant, and the easy canter of the mustangs caused just enough breeze to make the riding delightful.