the sound was coming closer; he could hear the whisper of leaves clearly off to his left. on the ground before him was a stick. it was only a small branch, but he reached for it anyway. he stripped the leaves from it and grasped it tightly. perhaps, he thought wildly, he could blind the beast as it scratched him, trying to drag him from between the rocks. how long would he have to wait? at last, without further warning, the creature came into view. he felt his pulse hammering in his throat. his thoughts seemed to be running a desperate race with each other.

위에서 색칠한부분 해석좀 부탁드리고요.. off 랑 before이 어떤의미로 사용됬는지좀 알려주세요