Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-09-22
IN THE GLACIERS KEEPING


| The fog closed and fell thicker and
thicker.
Some three hours later that night
one of the guides burst into the kitch-
en- Of the Montvert Inn.
His face was white and drawn, and
he was almost speeches. with excite
ment, misery and fatigue.
At last he managed to gasp out his
piteous story-how they had missed
their way in the fog; how he had
heard a sharp cry Of warning from
Max, who was leading the party; how
next he had been Jerked off his feet
by tremendous pull at the rope round
his waist; and how he had desperately
saved himself by driving his alpen-
stock into the Ice. Next thing be knew
he was alone-alone on the edge cf a
giant crevasse, whose misty depths
yawned silent as a grave.
The instant they understood him a
rescue party was formed, under the
guidance of Herman, the innkeeper.
All night the devoted men worked,
and most Of next day. But it was use
less. The glacier does not easily give
up it's prey.
A big, broad-shouldered, good-looking
young fellow Of about eight-and-tWenty
was sitting In dingy little room in
Bloomsbury, answering a letter he had
! just received
Harry Ballard had been looking out
for chance Of accompanying a read
ing party abroad during the long vaca-
ton, and by good luck an even better
/ billet had come this way An old
friend of his father-a Mr.. FfoIkes-
had written to him to engage his SER
vices as tutor and general bear leader
to his son, young Everard Ffolkes, dur
ing Forthcoming Swiss tour.
He had always wanted to get abroad,
and now the chance had fallen his way
he was resolved to make the most Of
it Young Everard, his pupil, was
thoroughly nice lad, and the whole ex-
petition seemed to partake more Of the
nature Of holiday than serious work.
The two trudged afoot through lovely
valleys, up turf-clad slopes, over rock
| bound, magnificent passes, drinking in
the clear air and enjoying themselves
rather like two Schoolboys than a tntor
and his pupil.
Everard wanted to climb a mountain.
Harry discouraged the idea. He told
the boy the fate Of his uncle, Robert
Ballard.
YES, remember hearing of that
when was quite small" answered
Everard, sympathetically. Were the
bodies ever recovered?
mo, never" answered Harry" and
probably never will be-"
They walked in silence a little way.
Then Harry said:
do you know, Everard, / should like
to see the place. Suppose we go I'D to
MontVert? We can do it in two days
from ChamouniX. Your father put no
restriction on our movements"
''Then let's co." replied the boy,
keenly.
Montvert had became quite a fash.
iOnable resort within the last few
years. The old inn had been much en-
larged. It boasted all sorts Of modern
improvements them a draw
ing-room, band and visitors book.
Harry was studying the latter when
he was startled by the names. MIR.
James Rennie and Miss Rennie and
maid, Glasgow"
my cousin, by Jove!" he muttered.
He had seen nothing Of them for
years-not since Mr.. Rennie had come
in for all Sir Roberts money. The
| daughter, Muriel, he had never seen.
James Rennie he knew by repute as
a hard and canny Scotchman; and
here they were staying at the same
hotel.
They met that evening in the draw
ing-room.
"And this is my daughter, Muriel,"
Rennie said.
Harry looked up and saw a soft dot
of a girl in black evening gown, who
gave him a warm, impulsiye hand
shake.
Somehow, Harry and his charge
stayed on at Montvert for a whole
fortnight.
Harry was a new man. The inevitable
was happening.