CHAPTER XXVIII 



Next morning, after breakfast, we went out, accompanied 

 by the polite diligence-director. In the market-place of the 

 high town he stopped two sturdy damsels, browned and 

 blowzed as to their complexions, with dark flowing tresses 

 and sparkling eyes. These maidens were leading a long string 

 of mules and asses charged with faggots. They agreed to call 

 for us at two o'clock, and carry us back to Val de Cabras. 



In the mean time we continued our walk. Passing 

 through the gate of the ruined fortress which guards the 

 narrow neck of the rock-plateau, and forms the upper 

 entrance into Cuenca, we turned to the left, and found a 

 winding-path which led us down into the glen of the Jucar. 

 Here we bathed, and on our return at two o'clock found the 

 damsels with their caballerias waiting in the court of the 

 Parador. 



We entreated them in vain to allow us to give them 

 something to drink. They had three mules and a donkey 

 tied in a string. I mounted the first, and Harry the second. 

 The tallest and comeliest of our arrieras took the halter of 

 mine, — the other brought up the rear with a switch, to 

 encourage loiterers to keep up their pace. In this peculiar 

 sort of procession we passed along the great street, emerged 

 from the town where we first entered it in the diligence, 

 turned down below the arches of the bridge, and followed 

 the banks of Jucar. 



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