Cliapter Xl. 



and ascended the higli plain as far as the foot of tl 

 south-east ridov of the southernmost peak. Tht* hard sn 

 wliich carried tlieni, allowed them to climh swiftly up the 

 wide snowv ridge, cutting only a i't^w steps at the steei:)est 

 points. By 7.:^0 a.m. they reached tlie top nf tlie fir.st ])eak. 



le 

 ow. 



CT.IMRIXr: THE SdlTH-KAST KIDGE 'OF AI-EXANDIIA I'EAK. 



A strong wnid was blowing from the east. Round about 

 them the dazzling white of the mist was impenetrable to 

 the sight. Everyone had bis mind tixed upon the highest 

 summit, which was oidv a i't-w liundred yards off, but (juite 

 invisible, and thev stood there waiting; and turniiii'- their 

 eyes obstinately northward. Dining an liour and a-half 



ISO 



