creatures that haunt the bush, some tell, in places where no human foot is wont to tread.  So that nothing of this sort comes upon me with an air of newness, at least!  I mayn’t quite trust it, as you do, but I am no scoffer.  Look, now, Mr. St. Aubyn, I have a proposal to make.  You are alone, and purpose undertaking a bitter and, it may be, a perilous journey in mountain ground at this season.  What say you to taking me along with you?  May be, I shall prove of some use; and at any rate, your adventure and your story interest me greatly!”

I was quite tremulous with apprehension lest he should refuse my request, but he did not.  He looked earnestly and even fixedly at me for a minute, then silently held out his hand and grasped mine with energy.  It was a sealed compact.  After that we considered ourselves comrades, and continued our journey together.

Our day’s rest at Bale being over, and the business which concerned me there transacted, we followed the route indicated by Mr. St. Aubyn, and on the evening of the 22nd of December arrived at a little hill station, where we found a guide who promised to conduct us the next morning to the village we sought.  Sunrise found us on our way, and a tramp of several weary hours, with occasional breaks for rest and refreshment, brought us at last to the desired spot.

It was a quaint, picturesque little hamlet, embosomed in a mountain recess, a sheltered oasis in the midst of a wind-swept, snow-covered region.  The usual Swiss trade of wood-carving appeared to be the principal occupation of the community.  The single narrow street was thronged with goats, whose jingling many-toned bells made an incessant and agreeable symphony.  Under the projecting roofs of the log-built chalets bundles of dried herbs swung in the frosty air; stacks of fir-wood, handy for use, were piled about the doorways, and here and there we noticed a huge dog of the St Bernard breed, with solemn face, and massive paws that left tracks like a lion’s in the fresh-fallen snow.  A rosy afternoon-radiance glorified the surrounding mountains and warmed the aspect of the little village as we entered it.  It was not more than three o’clock, yet already the sun drew near the hilltops, and in a short space he would sink behind them and leave the valleys immersed in twilight.  Inn or hostelry proper there was none in this out of the world recess, but the peasants were right willing to entertain us, and the owner of the largest chalet in the place speedily made ready the necessary board and lodging.  Supper—­of goat’s milk cheese, coarse bread, honey, and drink purporting to be coffee—­being concluded, the villagers began to drop in by twos and threes to have a look at us; and presently, at the invitation of our host, we all drew our stools around the pinewood fire, and partook of a strange beverage served hot with sugar and toast, tasting not unlike elderberry wine.  Meanwhile my English friend, more conversant than myself with the curiously mingled French and German patois of the district, plunged into the narration of his trouble, and ended with a frank and pathetic appeal to those present, that if there were any truth in the tale he had heard regarding the annual clairvoyance of the villagers, they would consent to use their powers in his service.