scattered about upon the ground now slowly narrowing by the encroachment of this awful march to water , were certain articles to which , in the leaders mind , were coupled no significant associations : an occasional blanket tightly rolled lengthwise , doubled and the ends bound together with a string ; a heavy knapsack here , and there a broken riflesuch things , in short , as are found in the rear of retreating troops , the spoor of men flying from their hunters .