74 SHIKAR 



We came across the tracks of ibex, with those of dogs 

 in pursuit. Several spots renowned for the former animals 

 were closely reconnoitred, but nothing was stirring. 



As we ascended, the snow increased, and the chance of 

 game became less. "We paused awhile in an open space 

 among lofty mountains, clad in their white wintry dra- 

 pery, which here and there receding and opening out, 

 and in other parts cleft into deep and rugged ravines, 

 looked the " beau ideal " of an ibex ground. But still 

 all was lifeless. It was an admirable picture of a winter 

 scene, in all its congealed desolation. 



Here we turned, and, retracing our steps some distance, 

 entered another narrow valley, and sending Subhan 

 ahead to observe the condition and prospects of the new 

 route as to snow, he returned, shaking his head and 

 saying there was no open ground in that direction. So 

 nothing remained to be done, but to return to the 

 bivouac. 



The snow had by this time become difficult to traverse, 

 lying as the path did on the steep slope of the mountain, 

 at the bottom of which foamed a rapid torrent, and 

 though advancing with cautious and measured steps 

 suddenly my foot slipped, and down I went rapidly, 

 sliding on my side over the smooth surface to the depths 

 below. But a projecting fragment of rock, fallen from 

 above, presented just enough irregularity for me to clutch 

 hold of as I reached it, which luckily I got firm hold of; 

 for Subhan, launching himself after me, came down 

 with such an impetus that, had I not been thus fortified, 

 we should both of us have been inevitably precipitated 

 into the river beneath, which would in all probability 

 have put a finale to my excursion. 



We picked ourselves up, and our way on, now with 

 our staves forming steps for my footing. I found the 



