If a friend at court be a good thing, two are still
better; so he was all compliance, and let the ladies fix the next day
but one for the journey.
Early on that morning, accordingly, the party assembled at
headquarters, and their horses and mules crowded the little court of
the monastic building. L'Isle had provided an _arriero_ for a guide,
with his three mules for their baggage. The kind, and quantity, too,
of provision he had prepared for their journey, was a reflection on
the resources and hospitality of the country they were to pass
through. Nor had the commissary been negligent of creature comforts.
Lord Strathern placed his daughter in the saddle. "Remember, _ma
belle_, your blood is not used to this feverous climate, and even your
pretty neck may get broken in a mountain path."
Lady Mabel listened with dutiful attention to the warnings of
experience against the dangers from the noonday sun, the chilly night
wind, and fast riding over rough paths; but, full of anticipated
pleasure, she perhaps did not remember them an hour after.
"You are much encumbered with baggage, L'Isle," said Lord Strathern;
"and your party larger than I expected.
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