Final answer:
Mourad tells his cousin to get down because he hears a noise in the distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the given passage, Mourad tells his cousin to get down because he hears a noise in the distance. The passage states, 'He heard the dogs, though he could not see them.' This suggests that Mourad was alert to the presence of the dogs or another sound that made him instruct his cousin to get down.Mourad tells his cousin to get down because they have come to a place where Mourad needs to tend to something specific. This action is part of a narrative where characters must respond to their environment and circumstances, so it's important to view it in the context of the story. While none of the options a) Because they have reached their destination b) Because he wants to ride alone for a while c) Because he hears a noise in the distance, or d) Because he wants to check on the horse's hooves exactly reflect the situation provided in the passages, the correct answer would generally be inferred from the narrative context rather than listed explicitly.