When we reached the village, we spent hours in making searches and
inquiries, but could find no trace of her. Oh, the appalling thought
of Winifred wandering about all night famishing on the hills! I went
to the inn which Sinfi pointed out to me, while she went in quest of
some Gypsy friends, who, she said, were stopping in the
neighbourhood. She promised to come to me early in the morning, in
order that we might renew our search at break of day.
When I turned into bed after supper I said to myself: 'There will be
no sleep for me this night.' But I was mistaken. So great was my
fatigue that sleep came upon me with a strength that was sudden and
irresistible; when the servant came to call me at sunrise, I felt as
though I had but just gone to bed. It was, no doubt, this sound
sleep, and entire respite from the tension of mind I had undergone,
which saved me from another serious illness.
I found the Gypsy already waiting for me below, preparing for the
labours before her by making a hearty meal on salt beef and ale.
'Reia,' said she, pointing to the beef with her knife, 'we sha'n't
get bite nor sup, 'cept what we carry, either inside or out, for
twelve hours,--perhaps not for twenty-four.
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