A FEARFUL PASSAGE. 233 



sufficiently to conceal whatever might be the state 

 of affairs on the other side, round which it was 

 necessary to pass by a narrow ledge like a mantel- 

 piece, on which the first guide had now placed his 

 foot. The distance, however, was inconsiderable 

 at most a few yards after which I fondly conjec- 

 tured we might rejoin a pathway similar to that 

 we were now quitting, and that, in fact, this short 

 but fearful trajet constituted the substance and the 

 sum total of what so richly deserved the title of 

 the Mauvais Pas. ' Be firm ; hold fast, and keep 

 your eye on the rock/ said the guide, as I, with my 

 heart in my mouth, stepped, out. ' Is my foot 

 firmly fixed ?' ' It is' was the answer ; and with 

 my eyes fixed upon the rock, as if it would have 

 opened under my gaze, and my hands hooked like 

 claws on the slight protuberances within reach, I 

 stole silently and slowly towards the projection, 

 almost without drawing a breath. Having turned 

 this point, I still found myself proceeding, but to 

 what degree, and whether for better or worse, I 

 could not exactly ascertain, as I most pertinaciously 

 continued to look upon the rock, mechanically mov- 

 ing foot after foot with a sort of dogged persever- 

 ance, leaving to the leading guide the pleasing 

 task, which I most anxiously expected every mo- 

 ment, of assuring me that the deed was done, and 

 congratulating me on having passed the Mauva<* 



