THE ANDES. 



31 



that the toil of ascending was over^ and that we 

 had accomplished the most difficult part of the 

 journey to Santiago. 



The valley soon opened into a large level 

 plain of grass^ surrounded by high mountains. 

 Presently we came to a deep and rapid stream^ 

 which mainly contributes to the Maypo. 



The courage of our guide and his peon was 

 not adequate to the effort of attempting the pas- 

 sage of this stream^ so immediately after the sun 

 had melted the snow. He alleged that the beasts 

 were tired, that the evening was shutting in, 

 and that there would be less danger in crossing 

 next day. These and other excuses for re- 

 maining on the bank for the night, proved to 

 me that Don Melchor's resolution was taken, 

 and that it would be in vain to oppose my rash 

 desire to the opinion of those who, after all, 

 knew best what was necessary for our safety ; 



