As the hours drew on, the mist, which had lifted a little about ten o'clock, closed in very densely, throwing the ill-lighted chamber where they sat into a deep gloom.

In such an atmosphere conversation languished; indeed, at times it died altogether, and the only sound to be heard was that of the monotonous voices of the priests without the curtains, as they muttered prayers unceasingly.

At length Leonard could bear it no longer, but rose, declaring that he was going out to see whatever might be seen.

Juanna tried faintly to dissuade him, and Otter wished to come too, which was impossible.

The end of it was that he went alone.
First he revisited the Settlement men and tried to cheer them, and sadly did they need cheering.