The passage describes a scene in which characters remove soggy saddles from their horses and, overwhelmed, they stumble into the brush to vomit. This moment strikes a contrast between the human experience and the reactions of the horses, who are startled by the unfamiliar sounds. The imagery suggests a deep, unsettling connection to the wildness of nature, serving as a backdrop for the characters' struggles.

The description evokes a primal and raw atmosphere, reflecting a sense of desperation and disconnection. The comparison to a "gorgon" signifies something grotesque lurking beneath the surface of beauty, hinting at the darker aspects of existence that the characters are confronting in their journey. McCarthy's language creates a vivid sense of unease and the primordial relationship between humans and their environment.