Not even the moaning of wind through the branches broke the intense midnight stillness.

I could feel her hand, grasping my sleeve, tremble from nervous tension.
"Saunder's Creek is just beyond that ridge--see," she whispered, causing me to pause.

"I mean the darker line in front.

This road we are on goes straight ahead, but we must turn off here in order to reach the mouth where the boat lies." I stooped low, close to the earth, so as to better perceive any outline against the sky, and, with one hand shadowing my eyes, stared earnestly in the direction indicated.
"It will be over there, then.

Kneel down here beside me a moment.
There is a whisp of smoke yonder, curling up over the bank.