He pressed one ear against the ground, which, as all know, is a much better conductor of sound than the air.
This told the story he anticipated.

The faint but distinct clamping of horses' hoofs was heard.

The number was indefinite, but, somewhat to his surprise, none of them was running or loping; all were moving on a walk.
The noise was so clear that when he rose to his feet and looked off to the right he expected to see the animals and their riders, and he was not disappointed.
On the outer margin of the field of vision the outlines of several horsemen assumed shape.

They were approaching, and one of their steeds emitted a whinny, as a salutation to the motionless Queenie, who had shifted her pose so as to face that point of the compass.
"Sh!" whispered Sterry to her.
But there was no call for the warning; she was too well trained to betray her master, and remained mute.
But it was inevitable that if the young man could discern the figures of the approaching horsemen, they must also see him.

He leaped into the saddle and turned away.
He knew instinctively they were rustlers, and he was almost equally certain they were hunting for him.