in this immeasurable waste." They strained every effort to reach the
distant object, but it was now midday and the sun shone burningly
upon them, Antonia could not long endure this rapid progress; added
to which the fearful whirlwind soon arose, and the figure that had
been scarcely visible before faded from their eyes, like some phantom
of the mist in autumn.

With the rising moon they began anew to hasten forward, calling
loudly upon the unfortunate wanderer, and fluttering white
handkerchiefs tied to their walking-staffs, as signal flags, hut it
was all in vain. The object that had disappeared remained lost to
view. Only a few giraffes sprang shyly past them, and the ostriches
quickened their speed.

At length, as morning dawned, Antonia paused and said, "Thou canst
not leave me, brother, in this solitude, and I cannot go a single
step farther. God will protect the noble Fadrique. How could a
father forsake such a model of knightly excellence?" "The disciple
shames the teacher," replied Heimbert, his sad face brightening into
a smile. "We have done our part, and we may confidently hope that
God will come to the aid of our failing powers and do what is
necessary." As he spoke he spread his mantle on the sand, that
Antonia might rest more comfortably. Suddenly looking up, he
exclaimed, "Oh, God! yonder lies a man, completely buried in the
sand. Oh, that he may not be already dead!"

He immediately began to sprinkle wine, from the flask he carried, on
the brow of the fainting traveller, and to chafe his temples with it.
The man at last slowly opened his eyes and said, "I had hoped the
morning dew would not again have fallen on me, but that unknown and