His tired lungs did their utmost--and hopefully, too--but the sealed jaws and the muffling sheepskin sadly crippled the effort.

Then the poor fellow's heart sank, to hear the hermit say-- "Ah, it came from without--I think from the copse yonder.

Come, I will lead the way." The King heard the two pass out, talking; heard their footsteps die quickly away--then he was alone with a boding, brooding, awful silence.
It seemed an age till he heard the steps and voices approaching again -- and this time he heard an added sound,--the trampling of hoofs, apparently.

Then he heard Hendon say-- "I will not wait longer.

I CANNOT wait longer.