Thence a babble of excited voices had reached him as he approached.

But at sight of him there fell a general silence, ominous and staring.

A dozen men or more were assembled there, and their eyes considered him first with amazement and curiosity, then with sullen anger.
He leapt down from his saddle, and stood a moment waiting for one of the three Godolphin grooms he had perceived in that assembly to take his reins.

Seeing that none stirred-- "How now ?" he cried.

"Does no one wait here?
Hither, sirrah, and hold my horse." The groom addressed hesitated a moment, then, under the stare of Sir Oliver's hard, commanding eye, he shuffled sullenly forward to do as he was bid.