It was evident that they were bent on finishing their task before the sun should set.

Nothing seemed to stop or even to hinder them.

Neither the levelled weapons nor the flashing knives of the gypsies in front, nor the howling of the wolves behind, appeared to even attract their attention.

Jonathan's impetuosity, and the manifest singleness of his purpose, seemed to overawe those in front of him.

Instinctively they cowered aside and let him pass.