Their actions seemed to Robert those of men who expected a stranger, as a matter of course, to be an enemy.

Hence, they were men whose hands were against other men, and so also against young Robert Lennox, who had been alone so long, and who craved so much the companionship of his kind.
He drew yet deeper into the undergrowth and taking the rifle out of the hollow of his arm held it in both hands, ready for instant use.

The men came nearer, looking along the edge of the forest, perhaps for water, and, as he saw them better, he liked them less.

The apparent leader was a short, broad fellow of middle years, and sinister face, with huge gold rings in his ears.

All of them were seamed and scarred and to Robert their looks were distinctly evil.
The door of welcome suddenly shut with a snap, and he meant to bar it on the inside if he could.