 The campaign had lasted over a year, and his men were tired and weary. Onward they marched over rivers and plains and through wooded forests until they reached the foothills of the towering Alps. Here the thinning ranks of the worn and tired soldiers began to falter as they trudged on over mighty mountain passes. As they claimed higher and still higher, the blinding snow and storms well-nigh discouraged the stoutest of hearts.