Remaining in camp so long it was quite likely they had been discovered by them and it was quite likely they had been murdered for the sake of the oxen and camp equipage.

It might be that we should find the hostiles waiting for us when we reached the appointed camping place, and it was small show for two against a party.

Our mule and her load would be a great capture for them.

We talked a great deal and said a great many things at that camp fire for we knew we were in great danger, and we had many doubts about the safety of our people, that would soon be decided, and whether for joy or sorrow we could not tell.
From this place, as we walked along, we had a wagon road to follow, in soft sand, but not a sign of a human footstep could we see, as we marched toward this, the camp of the last hope.

We had the greatest fears the people had given up our return and started out for themselves and that we should follow on, only to find them dead or dying.