Across the Roof of the World. 



crashing down, inspiring a feeling of awe as one reaHsed how 

 powerless man is against the mighty works of nature. 



We reached a bad part of the road at eight o'clock, and one 

 that required daylight for its successful negotiation, the waning 

 light and the rapid advance of darkness rendering the task 

 of getting over the difficult terrain one of extreme danger. On 

 the desolate slopes the gaunt deodar and chir stood outlined against 

 the sky, sombre and forbidding, the only note of colour in this 



A RAVINE IN THE GILGIT VALLEY SHOWING THE TRACKS UF 

 THE EXPEDITION. 



gloomy wilderness. There was a small telegraph hut here used by 

 those whose duty it is to repair the line when broken by avalanches 

 or landslides. Before arrival at this haven of refuge we passed an 

 avalanche that occupied twenty minutes in crossing, sufficient proof 

 that we were playing touch and go with a dangerous enemy. 

 The structure in question was just a rough log hut, with one 

 room, in which my orderly proceeded to light a lire and drive me 



24 



