If this could be speedily effected, the less important would be his loss in attaining it; for as long as the light was faint and dim, the enemy's missiles could not be discharged with certain aim.

He had hoped that the Chayan would assent to this suggestion.

Now on the contrary, the oracle spoke in a manner that plainly indicated that the Shiuana ordered him to wait until daylight.

It was sure destruction, he felt it; but the Shiuana spoke through the medium of the old man, and the Shiuana were of course right.
He could not complain or even grumble.
But he might at least prepare everything in advance, so that as soon as the medicine-man gave the signal, his favourite move might be executed with a promptness and alacrity that would surprise the enemy.

So Tyope crept back to the juniper-bush in whose neighbourhood his men were grouped.
Dawn was coming on, and the shadows were beginning to assume definite shapes and directions.