The two girls walked down toward the shining river. Castaño followed along behind, nibbling and browsing until a jerk of the bridle caused him to raise his head and continue his march.
The river was glancing along below the bank. Low and shallow, it had settled here and there into great pools, or spread out thinly over the banks of gravel which rose between.
"Can we bathe, Aneta?" asked Agueda.
"I suppose so," said Aneta, mournfully.
"Smile, Aneta, do smile. It makes me wretched to see you so sad."
Aneta shook her head.
"What have I left, Agueda?"
Agueda hung Castaño's bridle on a limb, and seeking a sheltered spot, the two girls undressed and plunged into the water, a pool near the shore providing a basin. One may bathe there with perfect seclusion. The ford is far below, and no one has reason to come to this lonely spot. The water was cool and delicious to Agueda's tired frame.
"Agueda," said Aneta, as they were drying themselves in the sun, "will Castaño carry double?"