"Tortorel's map!" It showed a stretch of country, apparently a broad valley running east to a seashore.

Through it twined a river and on both sides were hills dotted with trees.

The centre seemed to be meadows, sown with villages and gardens.

In one crook of the stream lay a little coppice on which many roads converged, and above it was written the words "Sylva Vitae." "It is the finger of God," said Battista.

"Will you join me and search out this Wood of Life ?" At that moment there was a bustle at the door giving on the main room of the tavern.