CHAPTER XXXVII A Calm Decision--“I Will Ascend the
Riffelberg”--Preparations for the Trip--All Zermatt on the Alert--Schedule of Persons and Things--An Unprecedented Display--A General Turn--out--Ready for a Start--The Post of Danger--The Advance Directed--Grand Display of Umbrellas--The First Camp--Almost a Panic--Supposed to be Lost--The First Accident--A Chaplain Disabled--An Experimenting Mule--Good Effects of a Blunder--Badly Lost--A Reconnoiter--Mystery and Doubt--Stern Measures Taken--A Black Ram--Saved by a Miracle--The Guide's Guide