They went in single file, the Captain about the middle, and just behind him Obed, with Ned following.

Ned as usual was silent, but Obed talked nearly all the time and Carossa seemed to like it.

Ned saw that the brigand leader was vain, eager to show his power and resource, but he was sure that, at bottom, he was cruel, and that he would turn them forth stripped and helpless in the forest.
Night came down suddenly, but the man in front lighted a small lantern that he took from under his serape, and they continued the march with unabated speed.

The forest thinned, and about nine o'clock they came into an open space.

The moon was now out and Ned saw a group of four rectangular buildings, elevated on mounds.