EPISODES 357 



then a rivulet occurred, from which we quenched our 

 thirst, while the magnolias and other flowering plants 

 on its banks relieved the dull uniformity of the woods. 

 When the path separated into two branches, both seem- 

 ingly leading the same way, I would follow one, while 

 my companion took the other, and unless we met again 

 in a short time, one of us would go across the intervening 

 forest. 



The sun went down behind a cloud, and the southeast 

 breeze that sprung up at this moment, sounded dolefully 

 among the tall pines. Along the eastern horizon lay a 

 bed of black vapor, which gradually rose, and soon cov- 

 ered the heavens. The air felt hot and oppressive, and 

 we knew that a tempest was approaching. Plato was now 

 our guide, the white spots on his coat being the only 

 objects that we could discern amid the darkness, and as 

 if aware of his utility in this respect, he kept a short way 

 before us on the trail. Had we imagined ourselves more 

 than a few miles from the town, we should have made 

 a camp, and remained under its shelter for the night; 

 but conceiving that the distance could not be great, we 

 resolved to trudge along. 



Large drops began to fall from the murky mass over- 

 head ; thick impenetrable darkness surrounded us, and to 

 my dismay, the dog refused to proceed. Groping with 

 my hands on the ground, I discovered that several trails 

 branched out at the spot where he lay down ; and when 

 I had selected one, he went on. Vivid flashes of lightning 

 streamed across the heavens, the wind increased to a gale, 

 and the rain poured down upon us like a torrent. The 

 water soon rose on the level ground so as almost to cover 

 our feet, and we slowly advanced, fronting the tempest. 

 Here and there a tall pine on fire presented a magnificent 

 spectacle, illumining the trees around it, and surrounding 

 them with a halo of dim light, abruptly bordered with the 

 deep black of the night. At one time we passed through 



