noon
Tired and weary as they were , they were more cheerful and happy that night than they had been for months previously , it seemed to them that the great barrier had been overcome , and they had safely passed the last fiery ordeal they should be called to encounter . They felt as though the night had passed , and day was dawning on their weary and forlorn prospects . They were in no great hurry to be on their road the next morning , for on awaking they found themselves sore and stiff in their limbs , and their beasts ' hoofs torn and swollen . Towards noon , however , much refreshed , they once more started , and after proceeding on their journey about two hours , they came to a dangerous pass -- the path being not over three feet wide , steep , and difficult of descent . -LSB- 15 -RSB- Directing Sidney , Jane , and Edward ahead , Howe and Jones began the descent with the horses ; when in the most difficult place , one of the animals became restive , and rearing , was precipitated below , dragging Jones , who had hold of the bridle , with him . One terrible cry of distress was heard as the horse went over the side , and then a crash on the jagged rocks , and the noble beast was dashed to atoms two hundred feet below them . Frightened at the plunge and cries of mortal anguish , the rest of the horses broke , and bounded wildly down the path .