His face confessed curiosity. "Might one ask the name of the rare thing? Perhaps one might help in the search."
"I feel sure," replied Sylvia graciously, "that you could help me, if you would, as well as any one on earth."
"That is good hearing, lady, though I know not yet how I have deserved the compliment. First I must hear what you seek, and then——"
"I seek a rare plant, that grows only in high, places. It is said to be found here at certain seasons; though I have never met any one who can boast of plucking it. I would that I could be the first."
"Is it the Edelweiss, gna' Fräulein. Because, if so, I know where to 46 take you."
She shook her head. "The botanical name is very hard to pronounce. But it is sometimes called by common people Edelmann. I should be disappointed to go away without a sight of it though I was warned it would not be wise to come."
"Those were wise who warned you, lady. I know of no such plant as that you mention. If it were here, I must have seen it. The chance was not worth the danger you have run."
"Oh, yes, the chance was worth the danger. You—a chamois-hunter—to say that! You must run a thousand risks a day in seeking what you want."
"But I am a man. You are a woman; and women should keep to beaten paths and safety."
"I wonder, is that the theory of all Rhaetians? I know your Emperor holds it."