The nearer the hour came when the momentous question that was going to shake the existence of the tribe to its very foundations would be taken in hand, the more conscious he became that he was carrying a terrible load, and that upon his action depended nearly everything.

The feeling of responsibility was crushing.

He had, of course, ascertained nothing new; neither had he thought of making notes of what met his gaze.

But on this last day he felt the necessity of being alone ere the dread moment came.
Others could not help; he was alone with his thoughts, and yet, as he did no fasting, not alone in the proper use of the word.

On that last day, therefore, he resolved upon retiring to some solitude.