One after another of the party
joined in the pursuit, for all the effects of the travellers were on the
beasts; and after some ten minutes of delay, blended with an excitement
which helped to quicken the blood and to awaken the faculties of even the
females, the mules were all happily regained. They were secured to each
other head and tail, in the manner so usual in the droves of these
animals, and Pierre turned to resume the order of the march. But on
seeking the path, it was not to be found! Search was made on every side,
and yet none could meet with the smallest of its traces. Broken, rough
fragments of rock, were all that rewarded the most anxious investigation;
and after a few precious minutes uselessly wasted, they all assembled
around the guide, as if by common consent, to seek his counsel. The truth
was no longer to be concealed--the party was lost!
Chapter XXIII.
Let no presuming railer tax
Creative wisdom, as if aught was form'd
In vain, or not for admirable ends.
Thomson.
So long as we possess the power to struggle, hope is the last feeling to
desert the human mind.
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