The verdure came back, and the heat began to be felt again. Our men were perfectly revived by this gentle and balmy atmosphere, the azure sky and dazzling sun, which took the place of the grey sullen sky of the Cordilleras, and the narrow horizon covered by mist and fog. On the third day Leon perceived in the distance the green crest of a forest, toward which he had directed his march, and gave vent to a cry of satisfaction.
"Courage, my friends," he said to his comrades, "we shall soon have the shadow and freshness which we want for here."
"In truth, captain, I confess that I should infinitely prefer the slightest tree, provided that its branches afforded us means to rest for a moment in their shadow, to a forced march with this great rogue of a sun who burns our bones."
It was Giacomo who spoke; the poor lad seemed to be troubled by the heat, and could scarce succeed in mopping up the perspiration which poured down his face. It was midday, the time for the siesta, and the ex-lazzarone, who every day of his life never failed to sacrifice an hour to this pleasant habit, said to himself with reason, that it was more than ever advisable to enjoy it now, because, in addition to the hour which invited them, they were also strongly impelled by the ardent heat which they could not guard against, and their fatigue.
"And where the deuce do you mean to take your siesta?" Leon asked. "Don't you see, on the contrary, that we must push on in order to gain some shelter?"
"Alas!" said Giacomo. And patiently enduring his woes, the smuggler continued his march without uttering a word.
"Hallo!" Wilhelm suddenly exclaimed, as he stooped down, "what is this?"
And rising, he showed Leon a small gold cross hanging from a narrow velvet ribbon.
"Maria's cross!" Leon exclaimed; "yes, I recognise it! We are on the traces of the ravishers!"
"In that case," said Wilhelm, "we must move ahead."