80 TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES, chap. hi. 



important being the observation of angles for the construction of 

 a plan of our surroundings. Before they left, a base line, 600 

 feet long, was measured from near the second camp to the 

 position marked STATION 3 on the sketch plan of part of the 

 southern side of Ohimborazo, and poles were erected as signals 

 on the centre of the Glacier de Debris and at other places. 

 But the mists that had prevailed prevented angles being ob- 

 served at these positions, and until they were obtained I 

 proposed to stop. Perring was directed to return on the after- 

 noon of the 11th with a sufficient number of beasts for the 

 transport of the remaining baggage, and then the little proces- 

 sion passed out of sight, with Jean-Antoine as rear-guard, 

 lingering as if after all reluctant to go, turning to wave an 

 adieu, calling out, " Take care of yourself. Monsieur, take care ! " 

 In this singular position I remained two days longer. At 

 4 p.m. on the 12th I turned my back on the second camp, 

 and, going gently on foot, arrived at 10.45 at the tambo of 

 Chuquipoquio. The great gate of the massive portal was opened 

 somewhat tardily, for all were asleep and the place was in dark- 

 ness, and I went to bed about 1 a.m., not in the least knowing 

 what the next move would be. 



THE HEAD OF THE EXPEDITION. 



