midnight
Long in captivity , they have become `` Indianised , '' lost all aspirations for liberty , and grown contented with their lot ; for the Tovas are not hard taskmasters . On the night of that same day , when the _ tormenta _ overtook them , Aguara and his party approach the Sacred town , which is about twenty miles from the edge of the _ salitral _ , where the trail parts from the latter , going westward . The plain between is no more of saline or sterile character ; but , as on the other side , showing a luxuriant vegetation , with the same picturesque disposal of palm-groves and other tropical trees . The hour is late -- nigh to midnight -- as the captive train passes under the shadow of the Cemetery Hill , making round to where the _ tolderia _ stands ; for both lake and town are on the west side of the hill . Well may the young cacique feel something of fear , his face showing it , as he glances up to that elevated spot where he so late laid the corpse of his father . Were that father living , he , the son , would not be passing there with the daughter of Ludwig Halberger as his captive . Even as it is , he can fancy the spirit of the deceased cacique hovering over the hill , and looking frowningly , reproachfully , down upon him !