They were already on the path around the steep cliff.

The darkness was inky.

The roar of the waters below rose loudly--angrily.

The wails of the wildcats behind, overhead and in front of them, made it seem as if the sighing pines and cedars were inhabited with lost spirits shrieking warnings of impending disaster.
Harry's foot came down upon a boulder which turned under his weight.
He regained his balance with a start, but the stone toppled over.

He listened.