We were alike wearied from our long tramp, heavy-hearted, and strangely depressed by the desolate gloom of the rock cavern in which we lay.

Even De Noyan yielded to this spirit of brooding and, after a faint effort at forced gayety, crept silently to his sleeping-place.

The other two were not long in following him.

I was thus left alone to keep the first watch of the night.

Four lonelier, more miserable hours I do not remember serving at the call of duty.