The moon was good and there was a plentiful supply of stars, enabling them to see some distance.

To their right on a hill was a white Colonial house, with all its windows dark.
"That house would be in a bad place if a battle comes off here, as seems likely," said St.Clair.
"And those who own it are wise in having gone away," said Harry.
"I'm not so sure that they've gone.

People hate to give up their homes even in the face of death.

Around here they generally stay and put out the lights at dark." "Well, here we are at the end of the cornfield, and the light is not more than four or five hundred yards away.

I think I can see the shadows of human figures against the flames.