The situation was terrible. Without doubt my master was delirious. Perhaps there was no race-course here at all! Vitalis stood for a moment as though in a dream. Capi began to bark impatiently.

“Shall we look further?” I asked.

“No, the race-course is walled up.”

“Walled up?”

“Yes, they have closed the opening, and it is impossible for us to get inside.”

“Well, then?”

“What to do, eh? I don’t know. Die here.”

“Oh, Master! Master!”

“Yes, you don’t want to die, you are so young. Life seems good to you. Let us walk on. Can you still walk a bit further, my child.”

“Oh, but you?”