Midnight
Men , women and children were clustered about the store , who gazed with the keenest interest as the column of relief pulled out of the village . Glen 's eyes kindled with pride and animation as she turned and waved them a cheery good-by . Then she touched Midnight lightly with her whip , at which the noble animal leaped forward , up the trail , through the woods , across the wild meadow , and into the pass . The Indians found it difficult to keep pace with their young mistress , for Midnight was the fleetest horse that ever trod a northern trail . As they advanced , however , it was necessary to travel slower , for the way was steep and rough , and it was only with considerable care that the horses could pick their steps . Glen became impatient at this delay , for the sun was swinging low beyond the far-off mountain peaks , and she realised that if night overtook them in the hills it would greatly retard their progress , and perhaps make them too late in reaching Big Draw . As they were moving slowly down Crooked Trail , the sky suddenly became overcast , and then black .