If we failed to get through, they could probably live as long as the oxen lasted and would then perish of starvation.

We told them how nearly we came to the point of perishing that very morning, of thirst, and how we were saved by finding a little patch of ice in an unexpected place, and were thus enabled to come on another days travel.
These men were not as cheerful as they used to be and their situation and prospects constantly occupied their minds.

They said to us that if the present trail bore away from the mountain and crossed the level plain, that there were some of them who could not possibly get along safely to the other side.

Some were completely discouraged, and some were completely out of provisions and dependent on those who had either provisions or oxen yet on hand.

An ox was frequently killed, they said, and no part of it was wasted.