There was need to be vigilant.

Either of these savages would make his propinquity known, at a short distance, to the senses of an animal so timid as the horse.

Or, it might be, that a worse beast still--always worst of all when he emulates the nature of the beast--man!--might be lurking upon the track! If so, the nature of the peril was perhaps greater still, to the rider if not the steed.

The section of the wild world in which our traveller journeyed was of doubtful character; but sparingly supplied with good citizens; and most certainly infested with many with whom the world had quarrelled--whom it had driven forth in shame and terror.
The youth thought of all these things.

But they did not overcome his will, or lessen his courage.