He cannot see what it is, but grasping it, discovers a round war-sandal, over which he has stumbled, whose thongs have remained between his toes.
This discovery he communicates to his companion.

With fresh vigour they resume their dismal march.

It is dark, so dark that nothing more can be seen; nothing more is heard save distant thunder and the discordant voices of the night in the forest.

Slowly and silently they proceed homeward with their gory but precious burden..