Obviously there had been no increase in their force.

They were sufficient to maintain a blockade of the church, but too few to surround it completely.
He went two or three miles to the west and, seeing no evidence that the main force was approaching, he decided to return to the church.

His original curve had taken him by the south side of the wood, and he would return by the north side in order that his examination might be complete.
He walked rapidly, as the night was far advanced, and the sky was very clear, with bright stars twinkling in myriads.

He did not wish day to catch him outside the mission.

It was a prairie country, with patches of forest here and there, and as he crossed from one wood to another he was wholly without cover.
He was within a mile of the mission when he heard the faint tread of horses' hoofs, and he concluded that Old Jack, contrary to orders, was coming forward to meet him again.