noon
Riding between Moniz and Nunes , and followed by his glittering men-at-arms , he crossed the city and took the road along the river by which it was known that the legate had departed . All that morning they rode briskly amain , the Infante fasting , as he had risen , yet unconscious of hunger and of all else but the purpose that was consuming him . He rode in utter silence , his face set , his brows stern ; and Moniz , watching him furtively the while , wondered what thoughts were stirring in that rash , impetuous young brain , and was afraid . Towards noon at last they overtook the legate 's party . They espied his mule-litter at the door of an inn in a little village some ten miles beyond the foothills of the Bussaco range . The Infante reined up sharply , a hoarse , fierce cry escaping him , akin to that of some creature of the wild when it espies its prey . Moniz put forth a hand to seize his arm .