Half of the warriors remained near them, standing stolidly in the background, and the others went on, searching among the woods and thickets.

The two glanced at the tree as they talked.

Was it possible that they would yet come back and attempt the crossing?
Again Robert quivered when he realized that in truth the crisis had not passed, and that Tandakora and De Courcelles might reconsider.

Once more, he pressed his body hard against the tree, and held tightly to a small bough which arched an abundant covering of leaves over his head.
The wind rustled among those leaves, and sang almost in words, but whether they told him that Tandakora and De Courcelles would go on or come upon the bridge he did not know.
Five minutes of such intense waiting that seemed nearer to an hour, and the leaders, with the band, passed on, disappearing in the undergrowth that lined the stream.

But for another five minutes the three among the boughs did not stir.