bby, his
garments had the appearance of having been a long time in wear, out of
regard to economy. There was something, however, in their cut and
texture that bespoke the wearer to belong to a class above that of the
mere peasant.

He was a young man--apparently two or three and twenty--of slender
figure and rather thin in flesh. His countenance bespoke gentleness of
disposition, amounting almost to simplicity; and this would have been
the impression produced upon an observer, but for a pair of lively
spiritual eyes that sparkled in sockets somewhat sunken. These,
combined with a well-formed mouth, and lips of a sarcastic cut, relieved
the otherwise too ingenuous expression of his features, and proved that
the young man was capable, when occasion required, of exhibiting a
considerable power of repartee and acute observation. Just then the
predominant expression upon his features was that of chagrin, mixed with
a certain degree of uneasiness.

The scenes through which he was passing were of a character to cause
apprehension--especially to one journeying alone. On all sides extended
a vast plain of sterile soil--the brown earth but thinly covered with a
growth of cactus and wild aloes, under the shadow of which appeared a
sparse herbage, wild, and of yellowish hue. The aspect was monotonous
and dreary beyond expression; while here and there vast clouds of dust
rose in whirlwinds, and moved like spectres over the plain. The
straggling huts encountered at long intervals on the way were all
empty--apparently abandoned by their owners! This strange circumstance
combined with the heat of a tropic sun, the absence of all signs of
water, the profound silence that reigned over these solitary steppes,
had created a sense of discouragement in the mind of the young
traveller, amounting almost to fear.

Notwithstanding a liberal use of the spur, his horse could not be
induced to depart from a walk. If by a desperate effort he was once or
twice forced into a trot it was only to return again to his old gait as
soon as the spur was taken from his flanks. The painful exertions of
the rider had no other result than to cause the perspiration to flow
profusely over his face, rendering it necessary for him every now and
then to make use of his pocket-kerchief.

"_Maldito cavallo_!" (Good-for-nothing beast!) he exclaimed at
intervals as his patience became exhausted; but the horse, fatigued with
a long journey, was as insensib