We knelt down and returned thanks to God for our preservation, and offered up a petition that he would still take care of us.  We then ate a little more pemmican, and took a draught of water from the river; though, to do so, we had to drive back the burned twigs and black scum which came floating down the stream.  We then caught our horses, which, in consequence of being hobbled, had not strayed far; and after leading them down to drink we mounted and rode on to the north-east.  Reaching some elevated ground whence we could obtain an extensive view, we looked round to ascertain if any Indians were in sight.  Not a human being could we discover; and we therefore, with increased hopes that we might escape, continued our journey.