He had meant to hold off the coast until the approach of evening but changed his mind and landed, concealing his canoe in a spot which he marked well, for he knew it would soon be useful to him again.

Deep shadows were already gathering in the forest and through these Nathaniel made his way slowly in the direction of St.James.Between him and the town lay Marion's home and the path that led to Obadiah's.

Once more the spirit of impatience, of action, stirred within him.

Would Marion go first to her home?
Involuntarily he changed his course so that it would bring him to the clearing.

He assured himself that it would do no harm, that he still would take no chances.
He came out in the strip of dense forest between the clearing and St.
James, worming his way cautiously through the underbrush until he could look out into the opening.