THE GREAT CORDILLERA. 



157 



two large sacks of provisions, and many other 

 things, in passing the bad point, struck his load 

 against the rock, which knocked his two hind legs 

 over the precipice, and the loose stones immediately 

 began to roll away from under them : ' however his 

 fore-legs were still upon the narrow path ; he had 

 no room to put his head there, but he placed his 

 nose on the path on his left, and appeared to 

 hold on by his mouth : his perilous fate was soon 

 decided by a loose mule who came, and in walking 

 along after him, knocked his comrade's nose off the 

 path, destroyed his balance, and head over heels 

 the poor creature instantly commenced a fall which 

 was really quite terrific. With all his baggage 

 firmly lashed to him, he rolled down the steep 

 slope, until he came to the part which was perpen- 

 dicular, and then he seemed to bound off, and 

 turning round in the air, fell into the deep torrent 

 on his back, and upon his baggage, and instantly 

 -disappeared. I thought, of course, that he was 

 killed ; but up he rose, looking wild and scared, 

 and immediately endeavoured to stem the torrent 

 which was foaming about him. It was a noble ef- 

 fort ; and for a moment he seemed to succeed, but 



