Inferring that it was early, he would have gone back to sleep himself, but slumber would not come.

He remained a while, thoughtful, for his future lay very heavy upon him, and then he heard the sound of several voices beyond the blanket.
He listened closely, trying to number and distinguish them.

There were three and two belonged to Colonel Woodville and his daughter.

The third repelled and puzzled him.

It seemed to have in it a faint quality of the fox.