Tayoga and Willet were already gone from his sight, seeking what he sought.

Their experience in the wilderness was greater than his, and they were superior to him in trailing, but he was very hopeful that it would be his good fortune to find the game they needed so badly, the game they must have soon, in truth, or perish.
The valley was deep in slush and mire, and the water soaked through his leggings and moccasins again, but he paid no attention to it now.
His new courage and strength lasted.

Glancing up at the heavens he beheld a little rift in the western clouds.

A bar of light was let through, and his mind, so imaginative, so susceptible to the influences of earth and air, at once saw it as an omen.

It was a pillar of fire to him, and his faith was confirmed.
"Areskoui is turning back his face, and he smiles upon us," he said to himself.