They had approached against the wind so that sound had been deadened.

Five horses with riders, Dale made out--saw them loom close.
Then he heard rough voices.

Quickly he turned to feel in the dark for a ladder he knew led to a loft; and finding it, he quickly mounted, taking care not to make a noise with his rifle, and lay down upon the floor of brush and poles.

Scarcely had he done so when heavy steps, with accompaniment of clinking spurs, passed through the door below into the cabin.
"Wal, Beasley, are you here ?" queried a loud voice.
There was no reply.

The man below growled under his breath, and again the spurs jingled.
"Fellars, Beasley ain't here yet," he called.