“How deep was it, Melk?” cried Saxe excitedly.
The guide shook his head.
“You know the rest, gentlemen. You came and saved my life just when I had not sufficient strength left to have tied the rope safely about my waist. It was the noose which saved me, and I could not believe in that safety till you dragged me over the side of the crevasse. Herr Dale—Herr Saxe, how am I to say words to show you how thankful I am?”
“Do not try,” said Dale quietly. “Come, Saxe boy, you have let your coffee grow cold.”
“Yes,” said Saxe; “but it has made my head hot. I don’t feel as if I want any breakfast now.”
“Nonsense: you must eat, for we have a long journey back to the chalet.”
“To the chalet, herr? You do not want to go round by the chalet?”
“Indeed, but I do. You will want a fortnight’s rest after this adventure.”
The guide stared at him in astonishment.
“A fortnight’s rest!” he echoed; “and with weather like this! Oh, herr, it would be madness: I want no rest.”