unt's letter. It
contained only a few lines, wishing him a safe journey, and begging
him to tell Count Eulenfurst that he regretted he could not do more
for his messenger, to prove his goodwill and affection; and also
the official document that he had promised to procure for him.
Tearing up the count's letter, and putting the official document
carefully in his pocket, he pressed his heel against his horse's
flank, and started at a canter.

He stopped for the night at Ips, and on the following day rode to
Linz. The snow had fallen almost incessantly, and he was glad,
indeed, that he had brought the coat as well as the cloak with him.

The next night he halted at Freystadt. As this was a strongly
fortified place, commanding the southern exit of the defile from
the mountain, he was asked for his papers. The official merely
glanced at them, and returned them. He was forced to stay here for
several days, as he was assured that it would be all but certain
death to endeavour to cross the pass, in such weather.

On the third day the snow ceased falling and, early next morning, a
force of 500 men, comprising almost the whole of the garrison,
started to beat down the snow, and cut a way through the deep
drifts. For four days this work continued, the men being assisted
by a regiment that was marched down from Budweis, and opened the
defile from the northern end. The pass was an important one, as in
winter it was the one chiefly used for communication between
Bohemia and Vienna; and it was therefore highly important that it
should be maintained in a practicable state.

Fergus was in no hurry to proceed. He knew that there was not the
smallest possibility of operations being commenced until the snow
disappeared, which might not be until the end of March. He
therefore took matters very quietly, keeping entirely indoors as
long as the snow continued to fall, and going out as little as
possible, afterwards.

He was glad, indeed, when the news came that the pass was clear. As
soon as the gates were unlocked he pressed on, in order to get
ahead of a large convoy of carts, laden with warm clothing for the
soldiers, that was also waiting for the pass to be opened. In spite
of all that had been done, it was rough work passing through the
defile, and he did not arrive at Krumnau until nearly sunset.
Budweis lay but a few miles farther ahead, but he had made up his
mind not to stop there, as it was a large garrisoned town, and the
sma