Stealthily at first they dogged their prey.

Then, gaining boldness, advanced, and pressed more closely on the heels of the horse.

Sigurd, as he glanced quickly round, saw a score of cruel eyes flash out in the darkness, and almost felt the hot breath in his face.
One bolder than the rest made an angry snap at the horse's heel.

The unhappy animal, who long ere this had lost his wonted nerve, made a sudden bound forward, which almost unhorsed his rider.

The sudden movement was the signal for the pack to leap forward with wild yells, and next moment Sigurd and his gallant horse were fighting for dear life.
Desperately fought Sigurd, swinging his trusty axe right and left, and carrying at each stroke death among his savage assailants.
At length the horse, beset on all sides, exhausted, wounded, dropped to the ground, unable longer to hold out.