CH. XXXIV. ASCENT OF THE MOUNTAIN. 231 



dition, I left him at the hut, with strict injunctions 

 to procure enough black game or grouse to form 

 our supper and next day's breakfast. The shepherd 

 took down a single-barrel gun, of prodigious length 

 and calibre, tied together here and there with pieces 

 of string ; and having twisted his plaid round him, 

 and lit his pipe, was ready to accompany me. So, 

 having put up some luncheon in case we were out 

 late, we started. 



The sun was not up as we crossed the river on 

 the stepping-stones which the shepherd had placed 

 for that purpose, but very soon the mountain-tops 

 were gilded by its rays, and before long it was 

 shining brightly on our backs as we toiled up the 

 steep hill-side. My companion, who knew exactly 

 which was the easiest line to take, led the way ; 

 deeply covered with snow as the ground was, I should 

 without his guidance have found it impossible to 

 make my way up to the heights to which we were 

 bound. " I'm no just liking the look of the day 

 either. Sir," was his remark, " but still I think it 

 will hold up till near nicht ; we should be in a 

 bonny pass if it came on to drift while we were up 

 yonder." " A bonny pass, indeed !" was my inward 

 ejaculation. However, depending on his skill in 

 the weather, and not expecting myself that any 

 change would take place till nightfall, although 



