226 SPORT, TRAVEL, AND ADVENTURE 



the face of a precipice, formed of loose and sliding 

 shale, which terminated in a roaring torrent hundreds 

 of feet below. The track or path had been narrowed 

 by the rains and landslips to a width which rendered 

 passage perilous, but saving the way across the swamp 

 there was no other route. . I had found that my own 

 mule had strained a leg somewhat in the leaping before 

 described, and I had exchanged it for that which my 

 servant had ridden, whilst he mounted the pack-mule. 

 As we were proceeding along the path with the mule, 

 after the manner of his kind which seems to prefer 

 the outer edge of a precipice to the inner walking 

 along with my left leg hanging over the abyss, I sud- 

 denly felt his hind- quarters giving way. Now, I am 

 ever prepared for this in such places, and always ride 

 with the outside foot loose in the stirrup, ready for 

 instant dismounting. The habit served me in good 

 stead. In less time than it takes to relate I had 

 swung from the saddle as the mule went over the 

 precipice, a part of the road going with him, and 

 leaving me insecurely poised on a narrow ledge of 

 rock. I retained the long bridle in my hand instinc- 

 tively, and as the mule slid slowly downwards amid 

 the debris I endeavoured to stay him by pulling gently, 

 hoping he might regain a footing on some rocky 

 prominence. It was useless. The bridle strained to 

 breaking, and pulled me towards the verge. I must 

 let go or be dragged to destruction. I loosed it. The 

 animal turned with the pressure of the sliding earth, 

 rolled over and over with gathering impetus ami( 

 the shouts of my men, who were in front and we] 

 witnessing the occurrence, gave a final somersault, 

 disappeared from view. A second later a loud splash 



