The mountain tops were whitened like the crests of waves, while all the clefts and hollows remained full of night.

Behind me, in the east, there was a long white streak making the mountain outlines bleak and keen.

The stars looked strange; a fresh breeze fanned my cheek and rustled in the grass and shrubs.

Before me, on an isolated bluff, appeared my destination, a large village, square-built like a fortress.

Its buildings presently took on a wild-rose blush, which deepened to the red of fire--a splendid sight against a dark blue sky, still full of stars.