TOUR TO CIBELDA. 291 



probably over a verst in length. About half way up 

 a horizontal shelf had been formed, which was just 

 broad enough to serve at need as a bridle-path. This 

 path was the only approach to Cibelda; we were 

 therefore obliged to pass it. The officer rode forward 

 after giving us the advice not to look into the chasm, 

 but always at the head of the horse, and let it go 

 quite by itself. In profound silence we successfully 

 reached about the middle of the defile: at the edge 

 of the path some vegetation had settled, whereby the 

 view of the yawning gulf was diverted. Then I suddenly 

 observed that the forepart of the horse of my front 

 man, the officer, was quite low down, and at the same 

 time saw the latter swing himself gently from the 

 saddle to the side of the rocky wall. The horse too 

 did not lose its steadiness, but raised itself again, and 

 continued its way by the side of the officer. I in- 

 voluntarily considered it advisable to do just as my 

 front man, and also glided from my horse to the side 

 of the rocky wall. When I had successfully passed 

 the dangerous spot, where the officer's horse, misled 

 by the vegetation, had made the false step, I looked 

 with anxiety after my brother who followed me, but 

 perceived to my relief that not only he, but the whole 

 column of riders, had already followed our example. 

 In this manner we all reached in safety the end of 

 the narrow pass, and soon recovered from our toils 

 and alarms by the enjoyment of a good meal, partaken 

 in an enchantingly beautiful moss-covered grotto, open 



towards the deep and tolerably broad river-valley. 



19* 



