hidden cave, in which we have often stayed the
whole day long. The Cheta used to believe that the Mohar possessed magic
powers, and could make himself invisible, for when they lay in wait for
us on the way we used suddenly to vanish; but certainly not into the
clouds, only into the cave, which the Mohar used to call his Tuat. If
you are not afraid of a climb, and will lead your horse behind you for a
mile or two, I can show you the way, and to-morrow evening we will be at
the camp."

Pentaur let his guide lead the way; they came, without having occasion
to fight, as far as the gorge between the hills, through which a full
and foaming mountain torrent rushed to the valley. Kaschta dropped from
his horse, and the others did the same. After the horses had passed
through the water, he carefully effaced their tracks as far as the road,
then for about half a mile he ascended the valley against the stream.
At last he stopped in front of a thick oleander-bush, looked carefully
about, and lightly pushed it aside; when he had found an entrance,
his companions and their weary scrambling beasts followed him without
difficulty, and they presently found themselves in a grove of lofty
cedars. Now they had to squeeze themselves between masses of rock, now
they labored up and down over smooth pebbles, which offered scarcely
any footing to the horses' hoofs; now they had to push their way
through thick brushwood, and now to cross little brooks swelled by the
winter-rains.

The road became more difficult at every step, then it began to grow
dark, and heavy drops of rain fell from the clouded sky.

"Make haste, and keep close to me," cried Kaschta. "Half an hour more,
and we shall be under shelter, if I do not lose my way."

Then a horse broke down, and with great difficulty was got up again;
the rain fell with increased violence, the night grew darker, and the
soldier often found himself brought to a stand-still, feeling for the
path with his hands; twice he thought he had lost it, but he would not
give in till he had recovered the track. At last he stood still, and
called Pentaur to come to him.

"Hereabouts," said he, "the cave must be; keep close to me--it is
possible that we may come upon some of the pioneer's people. Provisions
and fuel were always kept here in his father's time. Can you see me?
Hold on to my girdle, and bend your head low till I tell you you may
stand upright again. Keep your axe ready, we may find some of the