I heard their swords rattle and their spurs jingle as they sprang to their feet.

I slipped hastily behind the cottage.

But by good luck at this instant came other steps.

As the Duke and Carford ran to the door, the owner of the cottage (as I judged him to be) walked up, and Carford cried: "Ah, the fisherman! Come, sir, we'll make him show us the nearest way.
Have you fed the horses, fellow ?" "They have been fed, my lord, and are ready," was the answer.
I did not hear more speech, but only (to my relief) the tramp of feet as the three went off together.

I stole cautiously out and watched them heading for the top of the cliff.