It was not until later in the afternoon when at last the blue envelope was brought to him.

He tore it open and read the answer of the hotel proprietor at Courmayeur: "Lattery left four days ago with one guide for Col du Geant." He was standing by the door of the hotel, and looking up he saw Michel Revailloud and a small band of guides, all of whom carried ice-axes and some _Ruecksacks_ on their backs, and ropes, come tramping down the street toward him.
Michel Revailloud came close to his side and spoke with excitement.
"He has been seen, monsieur.

It must have been Monsieur Lattery with his one guide.

There were two of them," and Chayne interrupted him quickly.
"Yes, there were two," he said, glancing at his telegram.

"Where were they seen ?" "High up, monsieur, on the rocks of the Blaitiere.