One is the valley to which we are now bending our steps, which nestles not far from the foot of the great mountain men call the St.Bernard; the other is at the hospice upon the Great St.
Bernard itself, where is a colony of devout and kindly monks, who give their succour to travellers of every nationality and creed, and where a safe shelter may always be found.

Moreover, the monks have a certain intercourse with the inhabitants of the valleys round and about, and we could thus have news of each other were one of us there and the other here below.
"But we will not part company save for urgent need; yet 'tis well always to be prepared." Travelling was becoming increasingly difficult and trying as they mounted into higher regions, and the roads became mere bridle paths, often encumbered with snow drifts, and difficult to traverse.
Fortunately it was fine overhead, and the season was a favourable one.

The sun had already attained some height in the sky, and could shine with power at midday, for February was well advanced by this time.

But the cold at nights was intense, and the state of the roads often made travelling difficult for the horses.

The mountain torrents were swelled to brawling rivers, and the ordinary bridges broken down, so that the travellers had much ado to get across them.
It seemed a savage country to Tom, although the excitement and peril made travelling a delight.