But the way was longer than had been anticipated, and night had long closed in before they caught a glimpse of any settlement, although they knew they must be drawing near.
The guides became perplexed in the darkness of the forest.

The moon was shining, but the light was dim and deceptive within the great glades.

Still they pushed on resolutely, and the Rangers gradually drew to the front, goaded on by their own eagerness, and less disposed to feel fatigue than the soldiers, who were in reality less hardy than they.
All in a moment a strange sound smote upon their ears.

It was the roll of an Indian drum.

They paused suddenly, and looked each other in the face.