CHAPTER V.
THE AIGUILLE DES CHARMOZ.
AFTER the passage of the Col du Lion, already described, we drove to Courmayeur, intent on mighty deeds. Bad weather, however, made us prisoners, and for four consecutive days a strong south-west wind poured a ceaseless deluge of rain into the valley, washing haystacks and even an occasional châlet into the great muddy torrent below the village.
I was the only guest at the Hotel Royal, and its skilful chef devoted his whole time and thought to the ruin of my condition and form. During the rare intervals when I was not actually enjoying the good things provided for my delectation, he occupied himself with careful inquiries as to my likes and dislikes.
On the fifth day symptoms of improvement in the weather became visible, and during the afternoon Burgener, Venetz, and I walked up to the Mont Frêty Inn, with some vague idea of trying to make a new pass to Chamonix. Before day-
