We
shall see more of one another," he added; "meantime, don't forget that
we must be off by four in the morning. Good-night!"
The moon still shone when the travelers commenced their mountain
journey. Slowly they wound their way round the ever-ascending path.
About half-way up they came to a small rocky plain, where some young
cattle were grazing. Their alarmed wild movements proved how rarely
human beings passed their high-walled prison. From this point their
climbing became a real labor, but before long they arrived at the
summit, where, amidst much laughter and want of breath, they all threw
themselves on the ground and gave vent to their satisfaction at being
nearly 7,000 feet above the sea, and to their admiration of the glorious
view.
But their stay on the summit was short, as they wished to make the
descent of the mountain in one day. They did not reach Partenkirchen
till nearly midnight, nor Mittenwald till the following day, where, of
course, their adventures were related, and Stephan's story was soon the
talk of the village. He became a perfect hero for the time, and many a
neighbor shook hands and hoped he would forgive the doubt cast upon his
word, although years had since passed and the goat of contention had
been gathered to its fathers.
Some time after, a letter came to the Post Inn for Stephan, causing much
curiosity in the village, as it was the first he had ever received.
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