All this time Alec was walking, like a sentry, up and down beside the old man's corpse.

He was not alone.

When the others had gone he found that the young American had remained with him.

He came back from the lower trees whence he had watched the party disappear.
"Come to think of it," he said, "I'll keep you company." Something in his manner convinced Alec that this was no second thought; he had had no intention of leaving.

He was a slight fellow, and, apparently too tired now to wish to stand or walk longer, he looked about him for a seat.