It had not yet attained its full meridian--a quarter of an hour, perhaps twenty minutes, was still before them.

But the strength of their horses was flagging, foam covered their glossy hides, their nostrils were distended, they breathed hard, and frequently snorted--the short, quick, sound of coming powerlessness.

Their steady pace wavered, their heads drooped; but, still urged on by Perez's encouraging voice, they exerted themselves to the utmost--at times darting several paces suddenly forward, then stumbling heavily on.

The cold dew stood on Marie's brow, and every pulse seemed stilled.

They passed the outer gates--they stood on the brow of a hill commanding a view of the whole city.