Lower sank the sun and the broad band of dusky gold was narrowing before the advance of the twilight.

The village was not now more than two miles away, and the road dipped down before him.
Sounds like that made by the force behind him, the rattle of arms, the creak of leather and the beat of hoofs, came suddenly to his ears.
Harry halted abruptly and reined his horse into some bushes beside the road.

Then he heard the sounds more plainly.

They were made by cavalry, riding slowly.

The great pulses in his throat leaped in quick alarm.
Was it possible that they had sent a portion of their force swiftly by another route, and that it was now between him and the village?
He listened again and with every faculty strained.