There were clumps of mesquite in sight, among which the horse might have strayed.

It turned out, however, that he had not done so.
Duane did not want to leave Jennie alone in the cabin so near the road.
So he put her up on his horse and bade her follow.

The rain had ceased for the time being, though evidently the storm was not yet over.

The tracks led up a wash to a wide flat where mesquite, prickly pear, and thorn-bush grew so thickly that Jennie could not ride into it.

Duane was thoroughly concerned.