"It is true, then.

The mountains hold death too in their recesses--even on the clearest day--yes, they hold death too!" And letting himself fall gently back upon his cushions, he remained for a while with a very thoughtful look upon his face.

Twice Chayne spoke to him, and twice he did not hear.

He lay absorbed.

It seemed that a new and engrossing idea had taken possession of his mind, and when he turned his eyes again to Chayne and spoke, he appeared to be speaking with reference to that idea rather than to any remarks of his companion.
"Did you ever ascend Mont Blanc by the Brenva route ?" he asked.