When the clouds floating up there get well before the moon." Robert heard them distinctly and he glanced at the moon which was steadily growing paler, while the shadows were deepening over the forest.

Yet it was obvious that it would not become very dark, and the half hour of which Willet had spoken would probably measure the limit of the increase.
"Can you hear them moving in the bush, Tayoga ?" asked Willet.
The Onondaga put his ear to the ground.
"Only a light sound toward the north reaches me," he replied.
"Warriors there seem to be moving about.

It may be that they have received more help.

I think, Great Bear, that the time for us to go, if we go at all, is coming fast." Willet decided in a few minutes that it would not be any darker than it was then; and, choosing a southern direction, he crept from the rocks, the others following him in line, Tayoga as usual bringing up the rear.

They made a hundred yards in silence, and, then, at a low signal from the hunter, they sank down, almost flat, every one listening for a sound from the besiegers.