Were we to go there, we should find nothing.
"To the south lies Tlascala, whose people are independent of Montezuma.

They are fierce and warlike, and would seize and offer you to the gods, without pity." "Still, they would not be on the lookout for us; and we might, therefore, pass through their country without being seen." "We might do so, my lord," Bathalda agreed.
"At any rate," Roger said, "it seems to me that there would be more chance, in that direction, than in going straight forward.

From what you say, it seems well-nigh impossible for us to get through the passes ahead of us, without being captured." Accordingly, when night fell they struck off to the south.

The journey was a very toilsome one, for they were now crossing the spurs of the hills, running far down into the plateau.

As before, they had to halt when the moon set, but continued their way at daybreak.
"There is a road down in the valley there," Roger said, after three hours' more walking.
Bathalda stood looking down, for some time.
"I know it, now," he said.