THE FINAL HUNT FOR RAMS 233 



After six feet, the loose rocks were scarcer and my 

 position was becoming doubtful. Four feet more and I 

 realized extreme danger, since I could scarcely hold to 

 the slope and could not retreat. Three more steps and I 

 began to go backward, but held myself in time. Another 

 attempt and I gained six feet, when a small rock, which 

 was all that held my left foot, as I was reaching above 

 for a handhold, gave way and I began to slide quickly. 

 Before it was too late, my knee caught a rock and held 

 me. I could not even look back, but feeling with my 

 hand another rock above, I pulled myself upward and 

 made a vigorous scramble, trusting all to the result. It 

 was successful, for I caught a secure rock on the edge 

 at the top and pulled myself up. Only those who have 

 had a similar experience can realize my relief. 



A new panorama burst into view; below were three 

 exquisite Alpine lakes nestled high in the mountains at 

 the head of a canon, through which they drained to Tes- 

 lin waters on the other side of the divide, while to the 

 south-west, endless ranges and ranks of peaks extended 

 toward the horizon. Clouds began to gather as I started 

 to walk along the crest. Nothing is more fascinating 

 than to roam along the crest of the higher ranges in that 

 far northern country. You feel that the whole country 

 below is yours in it you are supreme. In the vast wilder- 

 ness unfolded around you, you feel a wild, unfettered free- 

 dom; you follow the sheep-trail, always a good path, 

 leading you securely around the pinnacles; with strained 

 excitement you walk slowly along, every step bringing 

 new pictures in view ; you look off over a vast bewildering 



