y Antoine as to the possibility of gaining the summit, even although
they were now so near it, for the day was far spent by that time, and
the rugged nature of the route over they had passed, precluded the
possibility of a rapid return to the hut at the Grands Mulets. They
pushed steadily on, however, for the Professor was anxious to bury his
thermometer in the snow at the top; the guide was anxious to maintain
his credit for perseverance; and the others were anxious to be able to
say they had reached the highest height in Europe.

In any weather the ascent of Mont Blanc requires somewhat more than the
average share of physical vigour and perseverance; in bad weather it
demands unusual strength and resolution. When, therefore, a severe
storm of wind arose, most of the party began to show symptoms of
distress. The labour of ascending, being coupled with that of forcing
way against the blast, was very exhausting to the muscles, while the
extreme cold reduced the physical energy and cooled the most sanguine
spirit. Antoine alone seemed to be proof against all influences, but
the responsibility lying on him clouded his usually open countenance
with a careworn expression. Prudence counselled immediate return.
Ambition, as they were now so near the top, urged prolonged effort. The
guide expressed his anxieties, but meeting with no response, followed
the dictates of his feelings, and pushed on.

Like pillars of living snow they toiled patiently upwards. Breath
became too precious to waste in words. They advanced in silence. The
wind howled around them, and the snow circled in mad evolutions, as if
the demon of wintry storms dwelt there, and meant to defend his citadel
to the "bitter end." There are two rocks near the summit, which crop
through the ice like rugged jewels in the monarch's diadem. The lower
is named the Petits Mulets, the upper the Derniers Roches. On reaching
the latter of these they paused a few moments to rest. A feeling of
certainty that the end would be gained now began to prevail, but the
guide was a little alarmed, and the Professor horrified, on looking at
their companions' faces, to observe that they were pinched, haggard, and
old-looking, as if they all had aged somewhat during the last few hours!
Captain Wopper's rubicund visage was pale, and his nose blue; the face
of Lewis was white all over, and drawn, as if he were suffering pain;
Dr Lawrence's countenance was yellow, and Slingsby's wa