about four o’clock
On issuing from the gorges of the Cordilleras , Glenarvan and his band came first to plains of sand , called MEDANOS , lying in ridges like waves of the sea , and so extremely fine that the least breath of wind agitated the light particles , and sent them flying in clouds , which rose and fell like water-spouts . It was a spectacle which caused both pleasure and pain , for nothing could be more curious than to see the said water-spouts wandering over the plain , coming in contact and mingling with each other , and falling and rising in wild confusion ; but , on the other hand , nothing could be more disagreeable than the dust which was thrown off by these innumerable MEDANOS , which was so impalpable that close one 's eyes as they might , it found its way through the lids . This phenomenon lasted the greater part of the day . The travelers made good progress , however , and about four o'clock the Cordilleras lay full forty miles behind them , the dark outlines being already almost lost in the evening mists . They were all somewhat fatigued with the journey , and glad enough to halt for the night on the banks of the Neuquem , called Ramid , or Comoe by certain geographers , a troubled , turbulent rapid flowing between high red banks . No incident of any importance occurred that night or the following day . They rode well and fast , finding the ground firm , and the temperature bearable .