A LULL. 185 



fell, though very finely-powdered snow was 

 driven through the air with such force that it 

 made the exposed parts of the face feel almost 

 raw. At length there was a lull, when Fred and 

 I, almost benumbed with cold, left the doctor 

 and people wrapped up in their coverings, and 

 pushed up the gorge to reconnoitre. Scrambling 

 over a heap of loose rocks and debris, we, at 

 length, discovered a crack or fissure in the rock, 

 forming a narrow but very lofty cave, where we 

 determined to bivouac. Calling up the rest of 

 the people, we commenced unpacking the kiltas, 

 lighted a fire, and made ourselves as comfortable 

 as the circumstances would admit. After much 

 patience, we heated a couple of large tins of 

 preserved soup, and made a hot brew of strong 

 grog, the stimulating effects of which I fairly 

 believe kept body and soul together in some of 

 us, and enabled all to endure the intense severity 

 of the weather. Considerably refreshed by our hot 

 meal, we lighted cheroots, and managed to keep 

 tolerably warm by all laying down close together 

 under cover of our blankets and waterproofs. 



