Here he spread the cloak upon the ground, and laid the sleeping child upon it, which done, he stood and looked at his new-found charge for a moment; then turning, began to pace up and down upon the hilltop.
It was necessary to decide upon a course of action.

They had the horses, the two muskets, powder and shot.

The earth was dry and warm, and the skies were cloudless.

Was it best to push on to Germanna, or was it best to wait down there in the valley for the return of the Governor and his party?
They would come that way, that was certain, and would look to find him there.

If they found only the ruined cabin, they might think him dead or taken by the Indians, and an attempt to seek him, as dangerous, perhaps, as fruitless, might be made.