He had meant to watch the night through, but even he had reached the limit of endurance.

The faint moaning of the wind outside, like the soft, sweet note of a violin, came to his ears, and lulled him to slumber.

The fire floated far away, and, still sitting in his chair with his rifle between his knees, he slept.
Outside the darkness thickened and deepened.

The forest was a solid black, circling wall, and the cabin itself stood in deepest shadow.

Inside a fresh piece of wood caught, and the blaze burned brighter and higher.