of the abysses, choked up though they partly were with fragments
of the plateau; and more than one came out again with garments torn
to rags, and feet and hands bleeding. For many long hours these brave
fellows continued their search without dreaming of taking rest.
But all in vain. The child had not only met his death on the mountain,
but found a grave which some enormous rock had sealed forever.

About one o'clock, Glenarvan and his companions met again in the valley.
Glenarvan was completely crushed with grief. He scarcely spoke.
The only words that escaped his lips amid his sighs were,

"I shall not go away! I shall not go away!"

No one of the party but could enter into his feeling, and respect it.

"Let us wait," said Paganel to the Major and Tom Austin. "We will
take a little rest, and recruit our strength. We need it anyway,
either to prolong our search or continue our route."

"Yes; and, as Edward wishes it, we will rest. He has still hope,
but what is it he hopes?"

"Who knows!" said Tom Austin.

"Poor Robert!" replied Paganel, brushing away a tear.

The valley was thickly wooded, and the Major had no difficulty in finding
a suitable place of encampment. He chose a clump of tall carob trees,
under which they arranged their few belongings--few indeed, for all they
had were sundry wraps and fire-arms, and a little dried meat and rice.