"And nevertheless the boy writes that under such conditions they proceeded for long months."
"There is also something in that which passes my comprehension."
For a long time could be heard amid the stillness only the sizzling of the tobacco in the pipes. The doctor gazed into the depth of the night, after which he said in a subdued voice:
"It is already late, but sleep has deserted me. And to think that they, if alive, are straying somewhere in the moonlight amid these dry heathers—alone—such children! Do you remember, Glenn, the little one's angelic countenance?"
"I remember it, and cannot forget."
"Ah, I would allow my hand to be cut off, if—"
And he did not finish, for Glenn started up suddenly as if scalded.
"A sky-rocket in the distance!" he shouted.
"A sky-rocket!" repeated the doctor.
"Some kind of caravan is ahead of us."