being found, they rested and bathed their tender soles, partook
of a portion of their provisions, and went on again.

That night the river seemed to be as far off as ever, and as they
settled upon a sheltered spot for their night's rest, and ate their
spare supper, Punch hazarded the remark that they shouldn't overtake the
army the next day. Pen was more hopeful, and that night they fell
asleep directly, with Punch quite forgetful of the wolves.

The morning found the travellers better prepared for the continuance of
their journey, and they toiled on painfully, slept for another night in
a patch of forest, and started off at the first blink of dawn so as to
reach the river, which was now flowing swiftly westward on their left.

Their provisions were finished, all but a scrap of the bread which was
so hard that they were glad to soak it in the river; but in spite of
their pain they walked on more bravely, their sufferings being
alleviated by the water, which was now always on their left, and down to
whose bubbling surface they descended from time to time.

"I say," said Punch, all at once, "I hope those chaps were right,
because we have come a long way, and I can't see no sign of the army.
You must have patience, Punch."

"All right; but it's nearly all used up. I say, look here, do you think
the army will be this side of the river?"

"Can't say, Punch.--I hope so."

"But suppose it's the other side. How are you going to get across? Are
we likely to come to a town and a bridge?"

"No; we are too far away up in the mountains. But I dare say we shall
be able to find a ford where we can cross."

"Oh!" said Punch thoughtfully; and they journeyed on, beginning to
suffer now from hunger in addition to weariness and pain; and just about
midday, when the heat of the sun was beating down strongly in the river
valley, Punch limped off painfully to where an oak-tree spread its shady
boughs, and threw himself prone.

"It's all up, comrade," he said. "Can't go no farther."

"No, no; don't give way," said Pen, who felt painfully disposed to
follow his companion's example. "Get well into the shade and have a few
hours' sleep. It will be cooler by-and-by, and we shall get on better
after a rest. There, try and go to sleep."

"Who's to sleep with a pair of red-hot feet and an empty cupboard? I
can't," said Punch. And he took hold of his ankles, drew them up, and
sat Chinese-tumbler fashion, rocking himself to and