He bent lower and remained there until his breathing became regular and easy after his mighty effort, all his five senses and the sixth that was instinct or divination, alert to every sound.
Two or three birds began to sing, but they were not his bird and he gave them no attention.

A rabbit leaped from its nest under the bushes and ran.

It went back on his trail and he considered it a sure sign that his pursuers were yet distant.

He might steal another precious minute or two for his overworked lungs and heart.

He knew the need of doing everything to gain a little more strength.