Many officers and soldiers were about.

I saw the chancellor's carriage standing near the portico, and a dozen other handsome equipages were waiting till they could approach.

Our human horses drew us slowly up to the entrance.

Helsing was on the steps, and ran down to the carriage, greeting the king with passionate fervor.

The shouts of the crowd grew louder still.
But suddenly a stillness fell on them; it lasted but an instant, and was the prelude to a deafening roar.