I hurried back down the canon, but it was nearly dark before I met the wagons.

By a mishap I fell and broke the stock of my gun, over which I was very sorry, for it was an excellent one, the best I ever owned.

I carried it in two pieces to the camp and told them the way was barred, at which they could hardly endure their disappointment.

They turned in the morning, as the cattle had nothing to eat here and no water, and not much of any food since leaving the spring; they looked terribly bad, and the rough road coming up had nearly finished them.
They were yoked up and the wagons turned about for the return.

They went better down hill, but it was not long before one of Bennett's oxen lay down, and could not be persuaded to rise again.