Being gagged, he could make no appeal to the one man who might befriend him--his villainous countryman.

It occurred to him--grim thought--that the astute Marlanx had considered that very probability, and had made it impossible for him to resort to the cupidity of the hireling.
At last, when he could scarcely drag his feet after him, they came to a halt.

A consultation followed, but he could not understand a word.

This much he knew: they were in the hills directly above the northern gates.
Two of the men went forward, moving with extreme caution.

In half an hour they returned and the march was resumed.
Their next halt came sooner than he expected.