It was freezing hard upon the ground, and he had lain there till his blood had almost ceased to circulate, and he was powerless to move.
Yet even then his thoughts were first for Edward, and only second for himself.

He rapidly reviewed the situation.
"They are on the path that he has taken.

He has the start, but they are mounted.

Are they in pursuit of anyone?
They have dogs with them: that looks as if they were hunting something.

It were better that they should not come up with Edward.