He dwelt somewhat indignantly to himself on this circumstance, and half unconsciously faced defiantly towards the plain below.

But it was sleeping peacefully in the full sight of the moon, without life or motion.

He looked at the stars; it was still far from midnight.

His companions had no doubt long since returned to the cabin to prepare for their midnight journey.

They were discussing him, perhaps laughing at him, or worse, pitying him and his bargain.