The sound indicated that she was coming down the mast.
But the sound of the steps indicated that the unknown person ahead was tired.
It was a windy night, and the sound indicated that the waves were high.
The sound indicated that his drop was not a very deep one.
The sound of the man's footsteps indicated that he was walking back in the room.
Their sound might well have indicated communication with the dead.
In this case, though, the varied sounds indicate things like the end of an inning or a home run.
And small sounds from two of those with him indicated that they saw also.
Besides, even if he had, the sound would instantly have indicated his position.
The sounds your lungs make while you breathe indicate a problem.