Lanterns were playing about in the stable yard, where she knew the
horses of the dragoons were kept, and believing them to be preparing for
their night march, she again sprang upon her feet, and renewed her toil.
Our heroine had to ascend more than a quarter of a mile farther,
although she had already conquered two thirds of the height of the
mountain. But she was now without a path or any guide to direct her in
her course. Fortunately, the hill was conical, like most of the
mountains in that range, and, by advancing upwards, she was certain of
at length reaching the desired hut, which hung, as it were, on the very
pinnacle. Nearly an hour did she struggle with the numerous difficulties
that she was obliged to overcome, when, having been repeatedly exhausted
with her efforts, and, in several instances, in great danger from falls,
she succeeded in gaining the small piece of tableland on the summit.
Faint with her exertions, which had been unusually severe for so slight
a frame, she sank on a rock, to recover her strength and fortitude for
the approaching interview. A few moments sufficed for this purpose, when
she proceeded in quest of the hut. All of the neighboring hills were
distinctly visible by the aid of the moon, and Frances was able, where
she stood, to trace the route of the highway, from the plains into the
mountains.
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