The tracks at the road-meet led away to the left, into the forest.
“You see,” Enobbio said, “it goes there, this wheel-track, to the direction of the mines. You see, Camilla mia, this thief will be one of the negroes of Los Jardinillos.”
“They are indeed a thievish company,” Camilla said. “But if the señor be swift, he will confound the thief in the moment of his exultation.”
“How far is it to Los Jardinillos?” Sard asked.
“It cannot take long if taken swiftly,” Camilla said.
“My love,” Enobbio said, “it is the half of a league, or two kilometres. It would take the señor twenty minutes or more, only to the clearing.”
“It may well be, my earthly consolation,” Camilla said, “that if the señor should walk, or indeed trot, to Los Jardinillos, his progress would not be swifter than a walk or trot. But as my remark suggested, comrade of my earthly trial, if the señor should proceed swiftly, his arrival would be likewise swift.”
“Can you lend me a bicycle or horse,” Sard asked, “so that I can go in chase?”
“Alas, we have neither.”
“Is there anyone here who might lend either?”