"I hope we sha'n't have to use it, but if there is no other way, we must do so." They remained where they were, until they thought that the garrison of the fort would be, for the most part, asleep.

Then they crossed the stream, and walked along by the side of the road, taking care not to show themselves upon it, as their figures would be seen for a long distance, on its white, dusty surface.

Presently, the sides of the valley approached more closely to each other; and, just where they narrowed, they could make out a number of dark objects, which were, they doubted not, the houses occupied by the garrison.

They at once took to the bed of the stream, stooping low as they went, so that their bodies would be indistinguishable among the rocks.
They could hear the murmur of voices, as they passed through the village.

Once beyond it, they entered the gorge.