Domingo brought up the rear, in order to prevent straggling, and assist men who might stray from the path.
Avoiding the cultivated land surrounding the creek, the party struck up the hillside.

A few plodding minutes sufficed to clear the trees and dense undergrowth.

A rough, narrow path led to the saddle of the central ridge.

They advanced warily but without any real difficulty.
Hozier took a listless interest in watching the furtive glances cast over his shoulder by San Benavides so long as the south coast of the island was visible.

At each turn in the mountain track the Brazilian officer searched the moonlit sea for the agreed signal.