No hostile demonstration of any kind had been attempted since Farnham's retreat, and now no sign of contemplated attack was to be perceived.

The large number of men visible earlier in the day had mysteriously disappeared; not even the searching field-glasses served to reveal their whereabouts.

In the gathering darkness no lights bore witness to the slightest activity; everywhere it remained black and silent.
To those wearied men on guard this secrecy seemed ominous of approaching evil.

They comprehended too clearly the vengeful nature of their enemy to be lulled thus into any false security.

Such skulking could be accepted only as a symptom of treachery, of some deep-laid plan for surprise.