noon
Scarcely had they started to climb over the great ridge , which broke into sheer precipice at the river , when a sharp wind rose and cut through their unprotected bodies . Claire drew in against him as close as she could , while he tried to give her more protection with his arms . The slope was steep and filled with loose rocks so that he lost ground at every step . They were forced to stop often , and by noon he was worn out , and they were both bitterly cold . Claire thought they were near the top , so Lawrence nerved himself to press on . Night found them standing on the crest of the ridge , in the face of a bitter wind ; before them , across a small plateau , rose a still higher mountain around the northern side of which a ravine cut its jagged gash away from the river . Claire stared at the scene until her courage broke down .