For a while he encouraged himself by the thought that Julio would not bring him the promised bread until dawn, and that he would give him at the same time food and liberty.
This hope by degrees diminished, and at last vanished entirely.

The suffering young man could not longer deceive either his body or his mind; it became evident to him that the hour which he had hoped would restore him to freedom had long passed.
He had been abandoned--devoted to a cruel martyrdom, a frightful death! He was then to die in the midst of the torments of hunger--to die slowly in indescribable suffering, and fall into the yawning grave prepared for him! Struck with terror by the conviction thus forced upon him, the unfortunate cavalier arose despairingly and ran panting and crying around the cellar, as though he could thus escape the death which menaced him.
The pain of his wounds was increased by this violent and feverish agitation.

His breast heaved under his difficult respiration, but the gnawing hunger which agonized him made these sufferings seem light.
Falling to the ground from exhaustion, he commenced, as soon as he had gained a little strength, his struggle against the tortures of hungry.

At times his despair was cheered by the thought that even yet Julio might come.

But Julio was plunged by the influence of poison into a mortal sleep, and in all probability would appear before Geronimo at the judgment-seat of God.
Hoping against hope, the young man seated himself on the ground.