362 CHAMOIS HUNTING. 



daylight was as necessary as air to breathe. The 

 mountain was of vast size ; and, as I looked upwards 

 to the sky-line, and saw the drear expanse, and felt my 

 sinking strength, it seemed to me impossible that I 

 could ever reach the hut. I had never before known 

 such an utter prostration of strength, such a total want 

 of anything like energy. But still I toiled on as best 

 I could; though I was obliged a thing I had never 

 in my life done before to give my rifle to Bauer to 

 carry for me. The evening was drawing in, and we 

 had still far to go, and the places became more rugged 

 and difficult : every minute was valuable. 



" Pray come on ! If we were only down these rocks 

 I should not care. Once out yonder and all is well ; 

 but here, if it gets dark you see what a place it is ! 

 Exert yourself do your best now then, try once 

 more !" And Bauer again led the way. 



It was quite dark before we got to our destination. 

 I hoped that, when I had eaten something, I should be 

 better, and we therefore hastened to make a fire and 

 cook our supper. Bauer fetched water from a neigh- 

 bouring spring, and, in the darkness, this was not so 

 soon accomplished. I meanwhile tried to get the 

 wood into a blaze, but oh ! the torment of that fire- 

 making ! instead of flame, the hearth was involved in 

 smoke, and the wind, pouring down the chimney, sent 

 whole clouds into our smarting eyes. In that small 

 space neither of us could bear it long. Now for the 

 frying-pan, and then we shall soon have a warm, 

 savoury meal ! But what a state was that vessel in ! 



