They were in shadow, and so was most of the wide dip of land before them; but through a gap to their right, beyond the wood, the moonbeams poured, and the farms nestling under the opposite ridge, the plantations ranging along it, and the bald beacon hill in which it broke to the plain, were all in radiant light.
Not a stir of life anywhere.

Hurd put up his hand to his ear, and leaning forward listened intently.

Suddenly--a vibration, a dull thumping sound in the soil of the bank immediately beside him.

He started, dropped his hand, and, stooping, laid his ear to the ground.
"Gi' us the bag," he said to his companion, drawing himself upright.
"You can hear 'em turnin' and creepin' as plain as anything.

Now then, you take these and go t' other side." He handed over a bundle of rabbit nets.