If I sprang upon him (and he looked a burly antagonist), such combat could not be noiseless, and surely the fellow was not alone in this wilderness.

How close at hand lurked his companions was beyond guessing, yet, if the sound of struggle aroused that band of wolves, my life would not be worth the snapping of a finger.

I felt cold chills creep up my spine as I stood hesitating, one foot uplifted, my eyes staring at that motionless figure.
I waited too long, until every vantage left me.

Suddenly the soldier swung back from his lookout on to firmer ground, wheeled, and faced me.
I marked his start of surprise, noting his right hand drop, with soldierly instinct, upon the sword hilt, half drawing the blade before recovering from that first impulse.

Then curiosity usurped the place of fear.