content: but much to the old man 's disappointment , instead of clearing the rain fell more and more heavily , and finally a heavy thunderstorm broke over the mountain . the thunder roared so terrifically , and the heavens seemed to be so ablaze with lightning , that the old man could hardly believe himself to be alive . he thought that he must die of fright . at last , however , the sky cleared , and the whole country was aglow in the rays of the setting sun . the old man 's spirits revived when he looked out at the beautiful twilight , and he was about to step out from his strange hiding - place in the hollow tree when the sound of what seemed like the approaching steps of several people caught his ear . he at once thought that his friends had come to look for him , and he was delighted at the idea of having some jolly companions with whom to walk home .
answer: his friends .
question: who did the man think was making the noise ?
target: who did the man think was making the noise ?
references: who did the man think was making the noise ?