During these observations I was watching Sperver, whose clear, energetic
tones indicated the different points in the road with the greatest
precision, and I watched, too, the young baron, who was listening with
the closest attention. No obstacle seemed to alarm him. The old groom
seemed not less bent upon the enterprise.

Just as they were leaving the window a momentary light broke through the
grey snow-clouds--just one of those moments when the eddying wind lays
hold of the falling clouds of snow and flings them back again like
floating garments of white. Then for a moment there was a glimpse of the
distance. The three peaks stood out behind the Altenberg. The description
which Sperver had given of invisible objects became visible for a few
moments; then the air again was veiled in ghostly clouds of flying snow.

"Thank you," said the baron. "Now I have seen the point I am to make for;
and, thanks to your explanations, I hope to reach it."

Sperver bowed without answering. The young man and his servant, having
saluted us, retired slowly and gravely.

Gideon shut the window, and addressing Master Tobias and me, said--

"The deuce must be in the man to start off in such horrible weather as
this. I could hardly turn out a wolf on such a day as this. However, it
is their business, not mine. I seem to remember that young man's face,
and his servant's too. Now let us drink! Maître Tobie, your health!"

I had gone to the window, and as the Baron Zimmer and his groom mounted
on horseback in the middle of the courtyard, in spite of the snow which
was filling the air, I saw at the left in a turret, pierced with long