Willet was coming back.
Tayoga, through the faculty of hearing, was aware of much more than the mere fact that the hunter was returning.

He knew that Willet had found nothing, that the pursuit was still far away and that they were in no immediate danger.

He knew it by his easy, regular walk, free from either haste or lagging delay.

He knew it by the straight, direct line he took for the three young men, devoid of any stops or turnings aside to watch and listen.

Willet's course was without care.
Tayoga opened his eyes, and lazily regarded the giant figure of his friend now in full view.