THROUGH WILD EUROPE 21 



made the best of the situation by wandering along 

 a small, muddy river, in which were lying immersed 

 hosts of reddish-coloured swine, and inquiring of all 

 and sundry whom we met if they knew of any 

 Eagles' nests. 



The sight of two hot and perspiring Englishmen 

 loaded with heavy bags and odd-looking impedi- 

 menta, staggering along over the fields under a 

 broiling sun, and making such inquiries, would in 

 most countries cause surprise, and questions as to our 

 sanity. However, nothing can surprise a Spaniard 

 or upset his grave courtesy. One and all of these 

 swarthy labourers toiling on the fields, burnt by the 

 torrid sun into the semblance of negroes, gave us 

 polite attention ; and presently one of them said that 

 he knew of none himself, but would go with us and 

 find some one who did. 



Forthwith he left his hoe sticking up in the ground 

 and followed us, or, to be more precise, preceded 

 us. After perhaps an hour's walk he found a goat- 

 herd, who sent his boy, while he himself looked 

 after his flocks, along with our new-found friend 

 to show us the way. Sure enough, on proceeding 

 farther he took us to the entrance of a forbidding- 

 looking gorge, where on one side the perfectly 

 perpendicular rock rose to the height of quite 

 600 or 800 feet. Then, pointing with his staff, 

 we beheld the desired nido del aquila two-thirds 



