Toward morning the inevitable change occurred.

A wind arose in the south, gentle puffs in the beginning, then blowing steady and strong.

The fog was torn away first at the top, where it was thinnest, floating off in shreds and patches, and then the whole wall of it yielded before the insistent breeze, driven toward the north like a mist, and leaving the woods and thickets free.
Willet made a careful circle about the camp, at a range of several hundred yards, and found no sign of hostile presence.

Then he resumed his silent vigil, and, an hour later, the sun rose in a shower of gold.

Tayoga opened his eyes and Willet awakened the others.
"The fog is gone," said the hunter, "and eyes are useful once more.
I've been around the camp and there is no immediate threat hanging over us.