The snuffling and lapping suddenly ceased; and with the cessation of all sound, the night became sinister.
The shikari whispered again.
"Now they in their turn know that we are here." He enveloped the donkey's head in a shawl that he was carrying.

"Do not move," he continued.

"They are listening." Shikari, skinner, donkey-boy, donkey and Hillyard stood together, motionless, silent.

Hillyard had come out to hunt.

Down below the herd in its dumb parliament was debating whether he should be the hunted.
There was little chance for any one of them if the debate went against them.