A young woman stood by her; and a man, in steel cap and with a sword at his side, stood a pace behind her.

Philip judged that she belonged to a rank considerably above that of the rest of the gathering.
When the address had concluded, the preacher began a hymn in which all joined.

Just as they began, Philip heard the crack of a stick among the trees.

It was not on the side from which Pierre would be coming.

He listened attentively, but the singing was so loud that he could hear nothing; except that once a clash, such as would be made by a scabbard or piece of armour striking against a bough, came to his ears.
Suddenly he heard a shout.
"That is Pierre!" he exclaimed to himself, and ran forward into the circle.
There was a cry of alarm, and the singing suddenly stopped.
"I am a friend," he exclaimed.