Footsteps approached the tepee with something strangely stealthy in their tread, and Clarke, turning his head, listened with a curious expression.

Then he looked at Harding and as the steps drew nearer the American's lips set tight.
His pose grew tense, but it was more expressive of determination than alarm.

For a few moments none of the party moved and then the attitude of all relaxed as the footsteps passed and grew indistinct.

Clarke broke into a faint smile.
"That was not an ordinary Stony but a gentleman of my profession, with similar interests, going about his business.

There are reasons why he should undertake it in the dark.