For a mile or upwards we trudged
on in the shade; then I began to recognize familiar ground, the
old trees under which I had walked or sat, and knew that a
hundred yards further on there would be a first glimpse of the
palm-leaf thatch. Then all weakness forsook me; with a low cry
of passionate longing and joy I rushed on ahead; but I strained
my eyes in vain for a sight of that sweet shelter; no patch of
pale yellow colour appeared amidst the universal verdure of
bushes, creepers, and trees--trees beyond trees, trees towering
above trees.
For some moments I could not realize it. No, I had surely made a
mistake, the house had not stood on that spot; it would appear in
sight a little further on. I took a few uncertain steps onwards,
and then again stood still, my brain reeling, my heart swelling
nigh to bursting with anguish. I was still standing motionless,
with hand pressed to my breast, when Nuflo overtook me. "Where
is it--the house?" I stammered, pointing with my hand. All his
stolidity seemed gone now; he was trembling too, his lips
silently moving. At length he spoke: "They have come--the
children of hell have been here, and have destroyed everything!"
"Rima! What has become of Rima?" I cried; but without replying
he walked on, and I followed.
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