IN THE SNOW-BOUND REALMS 113 



with ibex-shooting of the extreme slipperiness of 

 the ground, of the steep precipices, the hidden chasms, 

 and the sudden and unexpected avalanches. Going 

 after game and plain mountaineering are two very 

 different matters as regards danger. The mountaineer 

 is not obliged to follow a given direction ; he can 

 choose the best route and can wait and consider. 

 The man bent on shooting cannot weigh issues he 

 must do and dare, the game being his one cause for 

 consideration. 



And just the ibex and the markhor are to be found 

 amongst the most difficult parts of the mountains. 



Without assistance of any kind one has to approach 

 them unseen, unheard, and with the wind in the 

 right direction. The stalking cannot be accomplished 

 over ground affording sure foothold ; it must be 

 done silently and quickly up and down steep places. 

 No time to scoop out steps ! On we go, climbing, 

 slipping, clutching ! The true sportsman does not 

 care ; his enthusiasm renders him blind and indifferent 

 to danger, especially if he happens to be after wounded 

 game. Too late when the avalanche comes, the 

 slipping ground rumbles ! Too late when one's 

 foothold is lost never to be regained ! The plant of 

 destruction blossoms freely and quickly up here in 

 these otherwise barren regions ! 



Again and again I hear the distant noise of 

 thunder, and one after another thick clouds of dust 

 hide the blue sky from my sight. 



