"Before half an hour had passed we were aware that we were pursued. We threw off the road at right angles and rode for an hour. Then with the North Star for a guide we put over fifty miles behind us before sunrise. It was impossible to secrete ourselves the next day for we were compelled to have water for ourselves and stock. To conceal the fact that our friends were prisoners we returned them their arms after throwing away their ammunition. We had to enter several ranches during the day to secure food and water but made no particular effort to travel.