252 



FOURTH NIGHT IN THE ANDES. 



named by the Indians 5 this we crossed close un- 

 der a high fall of water, which made a terrible 

 roaring noise from large pieces of rock and 

 stones falling with it, but the danger was not so 

 great as it appeared. Being overtaken by dark, 

 we had to cross several small torrents, which was 

 not very pleasant, and at 9. 30. P. M. put up for 

 the night by the side of the Rio de los Ranchil- 

 los : our object was to be in readiness for cross- 

 ing early in the morning. Here I had my bed made 

 amongst stones and bushes, as usual : we had very 

 much lightning and a heavy dew during the 

 night ; but from the fatigues of the day, and some 

 hot punch out of my old tin pot, I was soon 

 lulled to sleep by the roaring of the river. 



Saturday y December 22d. From the heavy 

 dew which fell during the night I was quite wet in 

 bed ; we were moving before daylight and cross- 

 ed the river very easily. As we were fast clearing 

 the great pass of the mountains and winding 

 down into the plain of Uspallata, we met a large 

 party just entering the Cordillera, who anxious- 



