There were six or seven in the party, and they had two mules with them.

As they toiled upwards they sang the Rosary.

When the procession had drawn nearer, a girl and a man could be seen riding the mules; both were emaciated and almost cadaverous in appearance.

The girl opened her eyes wide on perceiving the Selvas, but the man kept his closed.

The others looked at them with a rapt expression, continuing their prayers.