noon
-LSB- 8 -RSB- It was a sublime sight -- to behold such a tremendous caravan of wild beasts rushing past -- and one that filled each of the spectators , even when they knew all danger was over , with a sense of trembling awe ; and they stood and gazed in silence , until the last of the herd was lost to their vision ; then advancing to the noble hunter , Henry silently grasped his hard , weather-beaten hand , and turned away with tearful eyes -- an example that was followed by each of the others , and which was more heart touchingly expressive of their feelings , than would have been a vocabulary of appropriate words . Our party next proceeded to examine the wounded bull , which was still bellowing with rage and pain ; and having carefully approached and despatched him with their knives , they found that the ball of Boone had entered a vital part . Taking from him a few slices of meat , to serve them in case their provisions ran short , they once more resumed their journey -- the wind still easterly and the storm raging . About three hours past noon the storm began to show signs of abatement -- the wind blew less hard , and had veered several points to the north -- an event which the old hunter noted with great satisfaction . They had now gained a point within ten miles of the beautiful Ohio ; when the dog -- which , since he had had no trail to guide him , ran where he chose -- commenced barking spiritedly , some fifty paces to the left of the party , who immediately set off at a brisk gait to learn the cause . `` I 'll wager what you dare , lads , the pup 's found the trail , '' said Boone . The event proved him in the right ; for on coming up , the footsteps of both captors and captives , who had evidently passed there not over three hours before , could be distinctly traced in the soft earth .