How does the pacing of this passage move the plot forward?

The quick pace makes readers suspenseful and confused about Mr. Whymper.
The quick pace allows the author to pass an uneventful period of time quickly.
The slow pace helps to place emphasis on the animals’ dread of Mr. Whymper.
The slow pace helps develop Mr. Whymper’s character with descriptive details.

The passage is not provided, so it is not possible to determine how the pacing moves the plot forward.