For four days this work continued, the men being assisted by a regiment that was marched down from Budweis, and opened the defile from the northern end.

The pass was an important one, as in winter it was the one chiefly used for communication between Bohemia and Vienna; and it was therefore highly important that it should be maintained in a practicable state.
Fergus was in no hurry to proceed.

He knew that there was not the smallest possibility of operations being commenced until the snow disappeared, which might not be until the end of March.

He therefore took matters very quietly, keeping entirely indoors as long as the snow continued to fall, and going out as little as possible, afterwards.
He was glad, indeed, when the news came that the pass was clear.

As soon as the gates were unlocked he pressed on, in order to get ahead of a large convoy of carts, laden with warm clothing for the soldiers, that was also waiting for the pass to be opened.