Then he and White followed the trail of their recent guests to the crest of the bluffs, but could not discover what direction they had taken from that point.

So they returned to the schooner sadder but wiser than before, and wondered whether they were better or worse off on account of the recent visitation.
"If they carry news of us to one of the missions we will be better off," argued Cabot.
"But, if they don't, we are worse off, by at least the value of our stolen provisions," replied White..