Even here, however, all was not unmitigated darkness; for they ground the coffee while the water was boiling, and the consequent decoction was admirable.

Moreover, the bread had a skin of such thickness and impervious toughness, that the inside was presumably clean.
Aviernoz lay about an hour farther.

Almost as soon as I left Villaz, the thunderstorm came on in earnest, with sheets of rain, a regular _Wolkenbruch_.[66] The rain was most refreshing; but lightning is not a pleasant companion in presence of a bright ice-axe, and I was glad when the houses of Aviernoz came in sight.

The village had the appearance of being lost; and the houses were scattered about so irregularly, that it was difficult to know which was the best point to make for.

The road studiously avoided the scattered houses, and the _Mairie_ seemed especially difficult to find.