He did not, he would not look beyond it! He had not broken his fast, and hunger presently drove him into the town.

But within half an hour he was at his post again.

A glance at the Royaumes' house showed him that nothing had happened, and, resuming his seat in the deserted bastion, he began a watch that as long as he lived stood clear in his memory of the past.

The day was cold and bright, and frosty with a nipping wind.

Mont Blanc and the long range of snow-clad summits that flanked it rose dazzlingly bright against the blue sky.