One man stood beside it gazing at Colter's party, which evidently he had heard approaching.
"Hullo, Queen!" said Colter.

"How's Tad ?" "He's holdin' on fine," replied Queen, bending over the fire, where he turned pieces of meat.
"Where's father ?" suddenly asked Ellen, addressing Colter.
As if he had not heard her, he went on wearily loosening a pack.
Queen looked at her.

The light of the fire only partially shone on his face.

Ellen could not see its expression.

But from the fact that Queen did not answer her question she got further intimation of an impending catastrophe.