114 SOOROO PASS 



had been commenced yesterday, but could not be com- 

 pleted owing to the quantity of water, from the melted 

 snows. It was to be finished this morning, the coolies 

 first bringing my things here. We saw some fine ibex 

 on the very crest of the mountain opposite, and resolved 

 to try and get at them in the evening. 



The things arrived, and the coolies set to work at the 

 bridge. I made a hearty breakfast, and afterwards went 

 to watch the operations. The rough poles were now 

 across, and the shikarries proposed starting at once. I 

 did not much relish the thoughts of the climb just after 

 breakfast, and the sun exceedingly warm, but acquiesced ; 

 so off we went, and crossing this apology for a bridge over 

 the furious torrent was no easy matter. I had to collect 

 my nerves for the attempt. The poles were laid first 

 from one bank to a large, high piece of rock, and from 

 that down to another much lower, and then from that 

 to the other bank : they were very crooked and loose, and 

 moved about and sprung under the pressure of the foot. 

 But I crossed safely, and then breasted the mountain. 

 It was dreadful hard work. After many halts we reached 

 the upper regions, where we found it quite cold, a strong 

 sharp wind blowing. The shikarries went to scout, and 

 returned with the provoking information, that they had 

 watched the ibex which had betaken themselves to a dis- 

 tant and inaccessible portion of the mountain. 



Something must be attempted after such an arduous 

 ascent. I determined not to go down without an effort 

 at any rate, so proposed to sleep up on the mountain, 

 sending a coolie to bring some clothes and eatables. This 

 was decided on. Then, looking for a place to wait in till 

 evening, I descended a short way towards a tremendous 

 ravine which cleft the mountain from crest to base, run- 

 ning nearly in a direct line for a couple of miles, its sides 



