We Had Now No Choice But To Resume Our Doleful Way To Villafranca,
Which, We Were Told, Was A Short League Distant, Though It Proved A
League And A Half.
We found it no easy matter to quit the town,
for we were bewildered amongst its labyrinths, and could not find
the outlet.
A lad about eighteen was, however, persuaded, by the
promise of a peseta, to guide us: whereupon he led us by many
turnings to a bridge, which he told us to cross, and to follow the
road, which was that of Villafranca; he then, having received his
fee, hastened from us.
We followed his directions, not, however, without a suspicion that
he might be deceiving us. The night had settled darker down upon
us, so that it was impossible to distinguish any object, however
nigh. The lightning had become more faint and rare. We heard the
rustling of trees, and occasionally the barking of dogs, which last
sound, however, soon ceased, and we were in the midst of night and
silence. My horse, either from weariness, or the badness of the
road, frequently stumbled; whereupon I dismounted, and leading him
by the bridle, soon left Antonio far in the rear.
I had proceeded in this manner a considerable way, when a
circumstance occurred of a character well suited to the time and
place.
I was again amidst trees and bushes, when the horse stopping short,
nearly pulled me back. I know not how it was, but fear suddenly
came over me, which, though in darkness and in solitude, I had not
felt before.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 346 of 809
Words from 95929 to 96194
of 222596
