The pines were small and tangled, but he could see where the sledge had gone and when he reached the summit a gleam of light sprang up in the valley below.

Thirlwell thought the man who made the fire had chosen the spot well if he meant its light to be hidden.
The wood was thin on the slope he went down and it was difficult to keep in the gloom.

The glimmering moonlight was brighter and his figure would be visible against the snow as he crossed the openings.

When he was some distance from the fire he stopped and studied his line of approach.
The men were moving about on his side of the fire.

Their figures were distinct, but he could not see their faces, and if he crossed the belt of rather open ground, the light would fall on him.