224 i TRAVELS A3I0NGST THE GREAT ANDES, chap. xii. 



two of his major-domos (and a third one from a neighbouring 

 estate), accompanied by five fine deerhounds ; and led us in 

 the darkness a long way east-south-east, before beginning to 

 approach the summit of our mountain.^ At about 8 a.m., at a 

 bend of 'the Monk's Valley/ they stopped to enquire where I 

 wished to arrive, and upon indicating a rocky point, at the edge 

 of the glaciers underneath the summit, they proceeded up the 

 ridge dividing the Monk's Valley from another on its south-east.^ 

 At 10.15, on coming to the point where the heads of these 

 two valleys met, we halted for a meal, with the sun shining 

 brilliantly. 



While resting on the grass, a great shadow suddenly appeared 

 in our midst, and made us all alive. A Condor had dropped 

 down, and was hovering with outstretched wings about five-and- 

 twenty yards above. The deerhounds ran in, cowering with 

 terror, and casting furtive glances at the huge bird, whilst 

 pressing against us, trembling with fear. It was remarkable to 

 see the fright that possessed these big dogs, when they were in 

 perfect security amongst our large party. Shouts drove the 

 assailant away, and presently we proceeded.^ 



The course now led up very steep ground, that formed a 

 step to another valley above, and the passage of this part 

 occupied some length of time, as the animals had to be unloaded. 

 When all were got to the top, Jean-Antoine was missing,'^ nor 



1 Our courses during the remainder of this Chapter and for Chapter XIII. can 

 be followed on the inset map of part of Cayambe that is given at the top of the 

 large, general route map. 



2 On this part of the way we passed several Falcons. One, sitting on a rock 

 about fifty feet off, would not fly away when shouted to. 



3 This bird had been seen hovering about for some time. It seemed to drop 

 down upon us, and for an instant came within twenty yards. 



The largest Ecuadorian Condor of which I have heard is said to have measured 

 10 feet 6 in. from tip to tip of the wings. Most of those we saw on Antisana 

 and elsewhere would not I think have measured so much as nine feet. 



* I had despatched him in advance (so that the barometer should not be im- 

 perilled by the floundering of the animals) with instructions to wait for us above. 



