He dropped flat behind a stone and listened.

From the direction he had come swelled something that resembled a strange muffled pounding and splashing and ringing.

Despite his nerve the chill sweat began to dampen his forehead.

What might not be possible in this stonewalled maze of mystery?
The unnatural sound passed beyond him as he lay gripping his rifle and fighting for coolness.

Then from the open came the sound, now distinct and different.
Venters recognized a hobble-bell of a horse, and the cracking of iron on submerged stones, and the hollow splash of hoofs in water.
Relief surged over him.