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with satisfaction. Following his glance, Bassett had to restrain a gasp of surprise. Even though he knew where they were, the horses had disappeared, He could not even hear them breathing, let alone the normal stamping and blowing of an idle horse. |
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That was not the last of his surprises, but self-discipline kept him quiet even when Simon and his three Welsh stepped out into the graveyard and also disappeared. He had been so sure that, because he knew where they were, he would be able to follow their progress. Frustrated, he turned his eyes to the guards, whom he could see as darker shadows moving against the solid bulk of the church. Therewere two, and both seemed at ease, unaware of what was approaching. Then one moved slightly forward and began to stare fixedly into the graveyard. |
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For the first few seconds, Bassett was tense, expecting the man to cry an alarm. He was sure the guard had seen him, but the tableau remained fixed. Then Bassett suffered that irrational impulse to leap out and dance and scream which affects any person who lies hidden when a watcher's eyes seem to fix on his place of concealment; instead, Bassett gritted his teeth and prayed that the men with him would not yield to the urge he felt. He tore his eyes away. |
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Horses are nervous beasts, but these were accustomed to men, and it took little effort to put them into a state near sleeping. Rhiannon had prepared them well. All were fully fed and contented. A touch and a murmur sent them off into whatever state it was that permitted them to remain on their feet when they were completely at rest. All ten responded immediately, so that Rhiannon had time to turn and watch Simon and his men disappear into the graveyard. She was able, in fact, to follow Simon's movements, which were not quite as smooth and practiced as those of the others. |
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Nonetheless, Rhiannon was intensely proud of him, |
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