I must be first.

And I ran on only the faster.
We were across the meadow and in the wood in a moment.

There, instead of keeping along the common path, I boldly singled out--my senses seemed to be preternaturally keen--the smaller trail by which Clon had brought us.

Along this I ran unfalteringly, avoiding logs and pitfalls as by instinct, and following all its turns and twists, until we came to the back of the inn, and could hear the murmur of subdued voices in the village street, the sharp low word of command, and the clink of weapons; and could see over and between the houses the dull glare of lanthorns and torches.
I grasped my man's arm, and crouched down listening.

When I had heard enough, 'Where is your mate ?' I said in his ear.
'With them,' he muttered.
'Then come,' I whispered rising.