Page:Gaston Leroux--The bride of the sun.djvu/153

Rh of horse. Thistles, and the great yellow flower of the amancaes, trampled flat, showed where hoofs had passed.

"We are close on them now, señor," said Natividad.

Uncle Francis, coughing knowingly, assented in such a detached manner that Natividad began to have serious doubts as to the mental welfare of that illustrious scientist.

Before long, though, he was worrying a great deal more about something else. So far, there had not been a sign anywhere of the Indians' first pursuers. Uncle Francis, on the other hand, was thoroughly happy, and seemed to be enjoying the scenery.

As they climbed steadily upwards, the road was becoming more and more dangerous, twisting and turning round the mountain-side. Peaks, sky, and precipices; in the blue of the distance, a few mountain goats, all four feet joined together, balancing on some rocky point.

The cold was now intense, and the soldiers grumbled openly. When Natividad reminded them that they were serving "the supreme government," they let it be inferred that they did not give a tinker's damn for the supremo gobernie, but nevertheless followed.

"Are you sure of those men of yours?" asked Uncle Francis.