Chapter VI. 



iuid ascended the lii<;li plain as far as the foot of the 

 sontli-east rido-e of tlie southeniiiiost peak. The hard snow, 

 wliicli carried them, allowed them to climb swiftly up the 

 Avide snowy ridge, cutting only a few steps at the steepest 

 points. By 7.30 a.m. they reached the top of the first peak. 



CLIMBING THK SOUTH-EAST lUDGE OF ALEXANDRA PEAK. 



A stroiiii' wind was blowinu' from the east. Hound about 

 them tlie dazzling white of tlie mist was impenetrable to 

 the sight. Everyone had his mind fixed upon the highest 

 summit, which was oidy a few liundred yards oft", but quite 

 invisible, and thev stood there waitino- and turnino- their 

 eyes obstinately noitliwai'd. During an lioui- and a-half 



180 



