As you can see, this story is an example of man vs. nature conflict, that's why the state and condition of nature is that important regarding to the character's' mood and behaviour. The textual evidence from “The Interlopers” which supports the conclusion that nature reflects the mood of the characters is a.)"Assuredly there was a disturbing element in the forest, and Ulrich could guess the quarter from whence it came." The nature in this sentence explains character's actions.