3n a Qttounftun 



The wind slackened and snow began to fall 

 just as we were leaving the smooth plateau for 

 the broken part of the divide. The next mile 

 of way was badly cut to pieces with deep gorges 

 from both sides of the ridge. The inner ends 

 of several of these broke through the centre of 

 the ridge and extended beyond the ends of the 

 gorges from the opposite side. This made the 

 course a series of sharp, short zigzags. 



We went forward in the flying snow. I could 

 scarcely see, but felt that I could keep the way 

 on the broken ridge between the numerous rents 

 and canons. On snowy, icy ledges the wind took 

 reckless liberties. I wanted to stop but dared 

 not, for the cold was intense enough to freeze 

 one in a few minutes. 



Fearing that a snow-whirl might separate us, 

 I fastened one end of my light, strong rope to 

 Scotch's collar and the other end to my belt. 

 This proved to be fortunate for both, for while 

 we were crossing an icy, though moderate, slope, 

 a gust of wind swept me off my feet and started 

 us sliding. It was not steep, but was so slippery 

 I could not stop, nor see where the slope ended, 



313 



