The women whispered a little in their corner.
About nine o'clock Jean signified his intention of going out to reconnoitre.
"Dad, they've got the best of us in the daytime," he said, "but not after dark." Jean buckled on a belt that carried shells, a bowie knife, and revolver, and with rifle in hand he went out through the kitchen to the yard.

The night was darker than usual, as some of the stars were hidden by clouds.

He leaned against the log cabin, waiting for his eyes to become perfectly adjusted to the darkness.

Like an Indian, Jean could see well at night.

He knew every point around cabins and sheds and corrals, every post, log, tree, rock, adjacent to the ranch.