Page:Whymper - The Ascent of the Matterhorn.djvu/39

CHAP. I answered the summons, and demanded rather sharply what was wanted; but became pacific—almost good-natured—when a five-franc piece was held in her face, and she heard that lodging and supper were requested in exchange.



My directions asserted that a passage existed from Prerayen, at the head of this valley, to Breil, in the Val Tournanche, and the old woman, now convinced of my respectability, busied herself to find a guide. Presently she introduced a native, picturesquely attired in high-peaked hat, braided jacket, scarlet waistcoat, and