The Norther was blowing as fiercely as ever, and he and Old Jack were brought up by a thicket too dense for them to penetrate.
Ned understood now that he was lost.

Instinct had failed absolutely.
Brave and resourceful as he was he uttered a groan of despair.

It was torture to be so near the end of his task and then to fail.

But the despair lasted only a moment.

The courage of a nature containing genuine greatness brought back hope.
He dismounted and led his horse around the thicket.