there were several cries from amidst the trees , birds breaking cover left and right , a large wood pigeon cooing dolefully to an absent companion , and numerous small , scurrying noises close to the forest floor , and yet art strode on , his pace increasing if anything , unwilling to be distracted by any sounds , determined to immerse himself in his woodland surroundings by pure endeavour alone , enjoying the tiredness that comes from hard toil , if not yet from a good job well done .