Dick now quietly rubbed its neck, and spoke to it in soothing tones; then he wheeled it gently round, and urged it forward.

It was quite subdued and docile.
In a little time they came to the river and forded it, after which they went through the belt of woodland at a walk.

By the time they reached the open prairie the mustang was recovered sufficiently to feel its spirit returning, so Dick gave it a gentle touch with the switch, and away they went on their return journey.
But it amazed Dick not a little to find how long that journey was.
Very different was the pace, too, from the previous mad gallop, and often would the poor horse have stopped had Dick allowed him.

But this might not be.

The shades of night were approaching, and the camp lay a long way ahead.
At last it was reached, and Crusoe came out with great demonstrations of joy, but was sent back lest he should alarm the horse.