Not even an Indian tracker could have picked up our trail amid that darkness.

So it was decided to remain where we were, and rest.
I need not dwell on the details of our flight.

They remain in my memory in all clearness, each scene distinct, each incident a picture engraved on the mind.

I came to believe in, implicitly rely on, all my comrades--on the black-eyed, dusky Elsie, emotional and efficient, whose care-free laugh was contagious, and whose marvelous skill in cooking only increased our hunger, who knew every wild plant that grew, and unearthed many a treasure to help out our slim larder from the forest and prairie soil; on the solemn-faced Kennedy, whose profanity could not be restrained, and whose sole happiness was found in an ample supply of tobacco; who persistently saw only the dark side of things, yet who was ever competent, tireless, and full of resource; but most of all on Eloise, her patient, trustful eyes following my every movement, uncomplaining, cheerful, with a smile for every hardship, a bright word of hope for every obstacle.

In the darkness of night travel, when no eye could see her, she might droop from weariness, clinging to her pommel to keep in the saddle, yet it was always her voice which revived courage, and inspired new endeavor.
The way was generally rough and puzzling, bringing before us no familiar landmarks by which to guide our course.