Angered by the indifference of the two men, Alden turned back and joined Shagbark, who had dismounted and removed the saddle and bridle of his horse. Jethro had done the same, and the three stood a little apart from the others. Alden had taken a minute or two to caress his pony, which whinnied with pleasure at meeting him, but the master was in too great anguish to pay the animal the attention he would have paid in any other circumstances.