But now it begins to rise, and is so rugged withal that we have to slow our speed and pick our way.

Farther on it is the dry bed of a torrent, cumbered with loose stones and erratic blocks, among which we have to struggle painfully.
"This is bad," gasps Carmen.

"The hounds must be gaining on us fast." "Yes, but the scent will be very catching among these stones.

They won't run fast here.

Let us jump from block to block instead of walking over the pebbles.