The night promised to be dark, a good thing for them, as the need of hiding was too evident.
Shif'less Sol soon fell asleep, as Henry, only three feet away, knew by his soft and regular breathing, but the boy himself was still wide-eyed.
The darkness seemed to sink down like a great blanket dropping slowly, and the area of Henry's vision narrowed to a small circle.

Within this area the distinctive object was the figure of Tom Ross, sitting with his rifle across his knees.

Tom had an infinite capacity for immobility.
Henry had never seen another man, not even an Indian, who could remain so long in one position contented and happy.

He believed that the silent one could sit as he was all night.
His surmise about Tom began to have a kind of fascination for him.

Would he remain absolutely still?
He would certainly shift an arm or a leg.
Henry's interest in the question kept him awake.