Page:Impressions of Spain in 1866.djvu/75

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GRANADA.
55

CHAPTER IV.

GRANADA.

Taking leave rather sorrowfully of their many kind Mends and of the sisters of charity who had been their constant companions during their stay in Malaga, our travellers started one stormy evening, and found themselves once more cooped up in one of those terrible diligences, and slowly ascending the mountains at the back of the town. Their intention had been to go on horseback, riding by Velez-Malaga and the baths of Alhama; but the late heavy rains had converted the mountain streams into torrents, and some of the party who attempted it were compelled to return. After ascending for about three hours, leaving on their left the picturesque cemetery, with its fine cypresses, they came to a plateau 3,000 feet above the sea, from whence they had a magnificent view, the whole of Malaga and its bay being stretched out at their feet, the Ughts glistening in the town, and the moon, breaking through the clouds, shedding a soft light