In a moment the young fellows had dismounted, fastened their horses, and were ascending the precipitous slope which led up to the object which had excited their curiosity.
They advanced rapidly and noiselessly, with the confidence and dexterity of practised scouts.
The watchers from the plain below could see them flit from rock to rock until their figures stood out against the skyline.
The young man who had first given the alarm was leading them.
Suddenly his followers saw him throw up his hands, as though overcome with astonishment, and on joining him they were affected in the same way by the sight which met their eyes.
On the little plateau which crowned the barren hill there stood a single giant boulder, and against this boulder there lay a tall man, long-bearded and hard-featured, but of an excessive thinness.
His placid face and regular breathing showed that he was fast asleep.
Beside him lay a little child, with her round white arms encircling his brown sinewy neck, and her golden haired head resting upon the breast of his velveteen tunic.
Her rosy lips were parted, showing the regular line of snow-white teeth within, and a playful smile played over her infantile features.
Her plump little white legs terminating in white socks and neat shoes with shining buckles, offered a strange contrast to the long shrivelled members of her companion.