Until they heard footsteps returning at a run, the four stayed where they were.

The Shadow heard footsteps returning upward.

The birch leaves were still quivering to their cries of wild relief when I heard the running footsteps of one returning.

Then he heard the soft, muffled shuffle of snow-dampened footsteps returning to the cottage.

A few moments later he heard heavier footsteps returning.

I felt he had some other knowledge that he would share with me later, but even as that thought came I heard footsteps returning.

And then she heard the footsteps returning.

Soon she heard footsteps returning, and Anne's voice exclaiming in delight.

And now, hobbling footsteps returning to the bedroom; and the worst fears of the hiding boy are fulfilled.