"Never mind the daylight," said Toza; "let us push on and reach the tunnel."
"I can go no farther," moaned Paulo; "I am exhausted."
"Nonsense," cried Toza; "it is but a short distance."
"The distance is greater than you think; besides, we are in full view of the castle. Would you risk everything now that the game is nearly won? You must not forget that the stake is your head; and remember what day this is."
"What day is it?" asked the brigand, turning on his guide.
"It is the fifteenth of January, the day on which you were to be executed."
Toza caught his breath sharply. Danger and want had made a coward of him and he shuddered now, which he had not done when he was on his trial and condemned to death.
"How do you know it is the fifteenth?" he asked at last.
Paulo held up his stick, notched after the method of Robinson Crusoe.
"I am not so strong as you are, and if you will let me rest here until the afternoon, I am willing to make a last effort, and try to reach the entrance of the tunnel."