but soon their shouts of triumphs began to die away , and they muttered and whispered to each other with looks of something like fear on their faces . for their keen ears heard a sound which filled their hearts with dread . it was the sound of human footsteps , which were so free and untrammelled that they knew at once that the stranger , whoever he was , was as yet untouched by any charm . and if this were so he might work them ill , and rescue their captive from them . and what they dreaded was true ; for it was the brave earl st . clair who approached , fearless and strong because of the holy sign he bore . and as soon as he saw the charmed ring and the eldrich dancers , he was about to step over its magic border , when the little grizzled goblin who had whispered to earl gregory , came and whispered to him also .
the human footsteps were so free and untrammelled .
how did the goblins know the stranger was untouched by any charm ?
how did the goblins know the stranger was untouched by any charm ?