She would have needed much money, and guides are poor people, monsieur--not like your professional cricketers," he said, with a laugh.

And then he turned toward the massive wall of mountains.

Here and there a slim rock spire, the Dru or the Charmoz, pointed a finger to the stars, here and there an ice-field glimmered like a white mist held in a fold of the hills.

But to Michel Revailloud, the whole vast range was spread out as on a raised map, buttress and peak, and dome of snow from the Aiguille d'Argentiere in the east to the summit of Mont Blanc in the west.

In his thoughts he turned from mountain to mountain and found each one, majestic and beautiful, dear as a living friend, and hallowed with recollections.