The brigand drew a long breath of relief when he was once again out in the free air.
"Where is your tunnel?" he asked, in a somewhat distrustful whisper of his guide.
"Hush!" was the low answer. "It is only a short distance from the castle, but every inch is guarded, and we cannot go direct; we must make for the other side of the valley and come to it from the north."
"What!" cried Toza in amazement, "traverse the whole valley for a tunnel a few yards away?"
"It is the only safe plan," said Paulo. "If you wish to go by the direct way, I must leave you to your own devices."
"I am in your hands," said the brigand with a sigh. "Take me where you will, so long as you lead me to the entrance of the tunnel."
They passed down and down around the heights on which the castle stood, and crossed the purling little river by means of stepping-stones. Once Toza fell into the water, but was rescued by his guide. There was still no alarm from the castle as daylight began to break. As it grew more light they both crawled into a cave which had a low opening difficult to find, and there Paulo gave the brigand his breakfast, which he took from a little bag slung by a strap across his shoulder.
"What are we going to do for food if we are to be days between here and the tunnel?" asked Toza.
"Oh, I have arranged for that, and a quantity of food has been placed where we are most likely to want it. I will get it while you sleep."
"But if you are captured, what am I to do?" asked Toza. "Can you not tell me now how to find the tunnel, as I told you how to find the treasure?"