The morning star, large, intensely blue-white, magnificent in its dominance of the clear night sky, hung over the dim, dark valley ramparts.

The moon had gone down and all the other stars were wan, pale ghosts.
Presently the strained vacuum of Jean's ears vibrated to a low roar of many hoofs.

It came from the open valley, along the slope to the south.

Shepp acted as if he wanted the word to run.

Jean laid a hand on the dog.