His chance still persisted--looked a little brighter--led him on, perhaps, to forlorn hope.
All at once twilight settled quickly down upon the willow brake, or else Duane noted it suddenly.

He imagined it to be caused by the approaching storm.

But there was little movement of air or cloud, and thunder still muttered and rumbled at a distance.

The fact was the sun had set, and at this time of overcast sky night was at hand.
Duane realized it with the awakening of all his old force.

He would yet elude his pursuers.