Near a small pool formed by a spring--here, too, was the same, for they could perceive the water shining.

But in all other respects the situation was different.

The surface of the valley in which their wagon had been left was covered, both sides and bottom, with a verdant carpet of grass; whereas the one now before their eyes was brown and bare! not a blade of grass was to be seen--the trees seeming to be the only things that had any verdure.
Even the low bushes appeared to be destitute of leaves! The scene had no resemblance whatever to that where they had outspanned.

It must be the camp of some other travellers, thought they.
They had fully arrived at this conclusion, when Swartboy, whose eyes had been rolling about everywhere, now rested upon the ground at his feet.
After a moment's observation--which the increasing light now enabled him to make--he turned suddenly to the others, and directed their attention to the surface of the plain.

This they saw was covered with tracks, as if a thousand hoofs had passed over it.