The delicate, almost stealthy sounds, the action of my horse, the waiting drove my heart to extra work.

The breeze quickened and fanned my cheek, and borne upon it came the faint and far-away bay of a hound.

It came again and again, each time nearer.

Then on a stronger puff of wind rang the clear, deep, mellow call that had given Sounder his beautiful name.

Never it seemed had I heard music so blood-stirring.