At the same time we are left in an awkward shape for continuing our journey." "How so ?" asked the other.

"I am not afraid to walk." "But I have lost my guide." "You have lost one and gained another, who will serve you with equal skill, since I know very well the road to Jiguani." "Of course you must know it," replied Ridge.

"How stupid of me not to remember! and, as we can take turns at riding my horse, we shall doubtless get along all right." There was no more sleep for either of the young soldiers that night; and by earliest dawn, having already eaten their frugal breakfast of roasted yams--an article of diet of which Ridge was becoming heartily tired--they set forth on the road to Jiguani.
As they were already on the southern slope of the mountains and descending into a broad valley, they made such rapid progress, by alternately riding and walking, that the sun had not passed its meridian when they reached the Cauto--the longest river in Cuba.

There was formerly a small settlement at the crossing, but it had long since been destroyed, and now only presented the sight, so common in Cuba, of charred ruins devoid of human presence.

There was neither bridge nor boat, but Lieutenant Navarro declared the river fordable at this point.
Ridge regarded dubiously the chocolate-colored flood already swollen by the first of the summer rains, and wished that they had at least two horses with which to cross it.