THE KROTENKOPF AND THE KRAMER. 355 



snow where I stood ; for the spot being overshadowed, 

 there it lay week after week, safe from the influence 

 of the sun. I brushed some away, and lay down on 

 the rock. I was tired and listless, and then grew 

 angry with myself for being so. I could not tell what 

 was the matter with me ; but, for some cause or other, 

 I strangely enough did not feel the intense interest 

 which always possessed me at such moments of ex- 

 pectation. I took out a crust and ate it, but more 

 for pastime than from appetite. I was annoyed at my 

 own indifference, and at such unwonted apathy. A 

 charm seemed to have been broken, and my eyes now 

 looked at the magnificent forms about me, no longer 

 wonderingly, but as though they were quite common, 

 everyday things. Suddenly a thundering sound rever- 

 berates from the Bischof, and rolls up the sides of the 

 Krotenkopf; and then falls back again, like a great 

 wave, that, breaking its massiveness against the rocks, 

 tumbles to pieces with a low, murmuring moan ; it 

 was from Bauer's rifle. I started up, and something 

 of the old feelings came creeping on, but sluggishly, 

 and not with a sudden rush as heretofore. I was be- 

 hind a piece of rock, that covered me entirely up to 

 my chin, and looked right in front, where I expected to 

 see the chamois appear, but nothing came. Presently 

 a stone moved slightly ; and turning my eyes to the 

 side whence the sound proceeded, there stood two 

 chamois at gaze on my left hand, one behind the 

 other : both were immoveable, and looking steadfastly 

 in my direction. I was as immoveable as they ; it was 



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