CHAPTER XXVI.
Above the Snow Line "....

le temps l'acheve." Before setting out we had a light breakfast at the Hotel des Alpes, where we were informed by several other persons, and on two further occasions by the waiter that the "patron" was deaf.

Indeed, the village had no other news.
The postmaster had ordered a carriage, which, however, could only take us two miles on our road, for this ceased at that distance, and only a bad bridle path led onward to Italy.
Alphonse was by this time beginning to feel the effects of his long ride and sleepless night; for he had not closed his eyes, while I had snatched a priceless hour of sleep.

Moreover, the hardships of the campaign had rendered him less equal to a sudden strain than a man in good condition.

He kept up bravely, however, despite a great thirst which at this time assailed him, and sent him to the brook at the side of the path much too often for his good.
We entered at once upon a splendid piece of mountain scenery, and soon left behind us the vivid green of the upper valley.