Day was fast waning, and the approaching night brought with it clouds and cold.
Whilst they had been engaged in their preparations for defence, none had time to reflect upon the danger of their situation; but now that all was prepared, and there was nothing to sustain the excitement of the last few hours, a chill crept over the circle who were gathered round the fire.
There were no candles burning, and the uncertain glow from the grate gave a rather weird-like look to the group.

The arms stacked in the corner of the room, and the occasional glitter of the pistol-barrels as the flames rose and fell, gave the whole a peculiarly strange effect.
"We look belligerent enough, I should think," remarked Mr.Walters, looking around him.

"I wish we were well out of this: it's terrible to be driven to these extremities--but we are not the aggressors, thank God! and the results, be they what they may, are not of our seeking.

I have a right to defend my own: I have asked protection of the law, and it is too weak, or too indifferent, to give it; so I have no alternative but to protect myself.

But who is here?
It has grown so dark in the room that I can scarcely distinguish any one.