the leader turned himself in the saddle, and fixed his glance full upon the country youth, as the steed went slowly by. when robin had freed his eyes from those fiery ones, the musicians were passing before him, and the torches were close at hand; but the unsteady brightness of the latter formed a veil which he could not penetrate. the rattling of wheels over the stones sometimes found its way to his ear, and confused traces of a human form appeared at intervals, and then melted into the vivid light. a moment more, and the leader thundered a command to halt: