It looked as if the man had been soured by his misfortunes, and had turned into an outlaw who took a vindictive pleasure in making such reprisals as he found possible upon society at large.

This conclusion was borne out by what Blake had learned at the settlement.
No one made any comment, and there was silence for a few minutes while the smoke whirled about the group and the drips from the dark boughs above fell upon the brands.

Then, after a little casual talk, Clarke rose to go.
"I shall start at daybreak, and your way lies to the east of mine," he said.

"You'll find traveling easier when the snow comes.

I wish you good luck." Though the loneliness of the wilds had now and then weighed upon them, they all felt relieved when he left.