Ned saw neither human beings nor game on the vast prairie.

He had hoped that by some chance he might meet with his comrades, but there was no sign of them, and he fell back on his belief that their skill and great courage had saved them.

Seeking to dismiss them from his thoughts for the time in order that he might concentrate all his energies on San Antonio, he rode on.

The horse had recovered completely from his great efforts of the preceding night, and once more that magnificent piece of machinery worked without a jar.

Old Jack moved over the prairie with long, easy strides.