The wind ceased to blow, and the rain came down straight with an even beat that was not unmusical.

No other sound was heard in the forest, as the ripple of the river at the edges was merged into it.

Henry began to feel the desire for sleep by and by, and, laying the paddle across the boat in such a way that it sheltered his face, he closed his eyes.

In five minutes he would have been sleeping as soundly as a man in a warm bed under a roof, but with a quick motion he suddenly put the paddle aside and raised himself a little in the canoe, while one hand slipped down under the folds of the blanket to the hammer of his rifle.
His ear had told him in time that there was a new sound on the river.

He heard it faintly above the even beat of the rain, a soft sound, long and sighing, but regular.