Darkness closed around them before they had gone a couple of miles.
During all this time the tramp continued in silence, probably not
a dozen words being spoken. Each of the three elder was using eyes
and ears to the utmost.

The sharp crack of a rifle broke the silence, not more than a
hundred yards to the right of them. Everyone started except Omas,
who acted as if he did not hear the report. He made no change in
his pace, and so far as the others could see in the gloom, did not
turn his head. They concluded, therefore, that no cause for alarm
existed.

Fairly through the mountain spur and among the deep woods, the
journey was pushed until the night was well along. Suddenly, Omas
made a short turn to the right and stopping in a hollow, where there
were several large boulders, he said--"We stay here all night."

The words were a surprise, for it was expected he would travel for
a long time. He, Mrs. Ripley and Linna could have done so without
inconvenience, but Alice was tired out. Her relatives were pretty
well burdened already, though either would have carried her had
it been necessary; but the party had gained so good a start that
there seemed little risk in making a long stop.

Omas reached down one hand and laid it on the bare head of Alice,
saying in a voice of strange gentleness--"Little girl tired--
she can rest."

And then all knew he had ceased walking because of her. Had she not
been a member of the party, he would have kept the rest on their