For a long time not a sound was audible, and then he fancied he could just detect the tramp of a horse or horses in the far far distance.

But that seemed to die away, and again all was utterly silent.
But once more, just as he was starting again on his walk, Jupiter growled, and this time rose to his feet and came to his master's side.
Yes, it was the sound of horses somewhere; more than one, too.

With straining ears and beating heart, the youth leant on his pike, and listened.

The sound grew more and more distinct, and presently he could tell that, whoever they were, they were galloping.

He ordered Jupiter to lie down and be silent.