noon
A new fear seized his heart , a numbing chillness crept through his body , and he struggled to free himself , but in vain . A strange roaring was in his ears ; the lake and cavern danced before his eyes and vanished ; and with a loud cry he sank senseless to the ground . When he recovered his consciousness he was aware of a gentle swaying motion of his body . He opened his eyes , and saw it was high noon , and that he was being carried in a litter through the valley . He felt stiff , and , looking down , perceived that his arm was tightly bandaged to his side . He closed his eyes and after a few words of thankful prayer , thought how miraculously he had been preserved , and made a vow of candlesticks to the blessed Saint Jose . He then called in a faint voice , and presently the penitent Ignacio stood beside him .