Again it came, and now there was no doubt about it.

It was the sound of baying dogs.
"By heaven! the death-hounds," said Leo.
"Yes," I answered quietly enough, for at this crisis my nerves hardened and all fear left me, "our friend the Khan is out a-hunting.

That is why he laughed." "What shall we do ?" asked Leo.

"Leave the horses ?" I looked at the Peak.

Its nearest flanks were miles and miles away.
"Time enough to do that when we are forced.