Still I said nothing, and we conversed very well together.

I noticed, however, that he stopped speaking more than once, as though to listen; but conceiving that he was merely reverting to the party in the other room, who grew each moment more uproarious, I said nothing, and was completely taken by surprise when he rose on a sudden, and, going to the open window, leaned out, shading his eyes with his hand.
'What is it ?' I said, preparing to follow him.
He answered by a quiet chuckle.

'You shall see,' he added the next instant.
I rose, and going to the window looked out over his shoulder.

Three men were approaching the inn on horseback.

The first, a great burly, dark-complexioned man with fierce black eyes and a feathered cap, had pistols in his holsters and a short sword by his side.