helped on Marian between
them, Tim and I bringing up the rear; Tim every now and then looking
back and flourishing his stick, as if he already saw our pursuers, and
was resolved to give them a warm reception. Though very tired, we made
rapid progress; Camo guiding us through a part of the forest which we
should have been unable to discover by ourselves.

Just as the shades of evening were stealing amid the trees, we caught
sight of the glimmer of water before us, and Camo led the way up a steep
ascent to the right, amid the trunks of trees, through between which
often only one person could pass at a time; and we soon found ourselves
in a small open space, so closely surrounded by dense underwood that it
would have been impossible for anyone to discover us, unless acquainted
with the spot. Above us a precipitous hill rose to a considerable
height; while the branches of the trees, joining overhead, would
completely shut us out from the sight of any person looking down from
the hill.

"Here you will be perfectly safe, for there is no other path besides the
one by which we have come," said Camo. "I will go back, however, and so
arrange the branches and creepers that the sharpest eyes among our
pursuers will be unable to discover that anyone has passed this way."

An opening towards the east admitted the only light which reached the
spot. Through it we could see the sea, from which we were not far
distant. Uncle Paul expressed himself perfectly satisfied with the
place of concealment which Camo had selected, and declared that he had
little fear of our being discovered.

Weary as we were, we were thankful to throw ourselves on the ground; and
after we had eaten some of the provisions we had brought with us, we
sought that rest we so much required. The wind being completely
excluded from the place, it was almost as warm as inside a house, and we
had no need of any covering. As our shoes and stockings were wet,
however, we took them off and hung them up on the trees to dry, rather
than sleep in them.

Uncle Paul had placed Marian by his side, and allowed his arm to serve
as her pillow. Poor girl, it was only now that, all cause for exertion
being for the present over, she seemed to feel her sad bereavement, and
the dangerous position in which we were placed. Her grief for a time
prevented her from closing her eyes; but at length, overcome by fatigue,
she dropped into a peaceful sleep. I sat for some time talking