ABSTRACT
Julian and Francesco set out together from Florence; and they soon plunged into the Apennines. Their route was devious; and they passed along in one direction and another, where there were no marks that any human foot had ever preceded them. Often they were obliged to force their way through thickets and briars; and often they were on the edge of the most dangerous precipices. The horses had great difficulty to make good their way. It seemed almost impossible that the travellers should tread their path back again: and, if 215his companion had suddenly disappeared, and Julian had been left alone, it would probably have been / days ere he could have escaped the intricacies of his journey, and found his way back to Florence. Yet Francesco appeared to encounter no difficulty, he never paused, or made shew as if he had any doubt whether the direction he pursued was the right one.
