It contained only a few lines, wishing him a safe journey, and begging him to tell Count Eulenfurst that he regretted he could not do more for his messenger, to prove his goodwill and affection; and also the official document that he had promised to procure for him.
Tearing up the count's letter, and putting the official document carefully in his pocket, he pressed his heel against his horse's flank, and started at a canter.
He stopped for the night at Ips, and on the following day rode to Linz.

The snow had fallen almost incessantly, and he was glad, indeed, that he had brought the coat as well as the cloak with him.
The next night he halted at Freystadt.

As this was a strongly fortified place, commanding the southern exit of the defile from the mountain, he was asked for his papers.

The official merely glanced at them, and returned them.

He was forced to stay here for several days, as he was assured that it would be all but certain death to endeavour to cross the pass, in such weather.
On the third day the snow ceased falling and, early next morning, a force of 500 men, comprising almost the whole of the garrison, started to beat down the snow, and cut a way through the deep drifts.