Chapter VT. 
and ascended the high plain as far as the foot of the 
south-east ridge of the southernmost peak. The hard snow, 
which carried them, allowed them to climb swiftly up the 
wide snowy ridge, cutting only a few steps at the steepest 
points. By 7.30 a.m. they reached the top of the first peak. 
CLIMBING THE SOUTH-EAST RIDGE OF ALEXANDRA PEAK. 
A strong wind was blowing from the east. Bound about 
them the dazzling white of the mist was impenetrable to 
the sight. Everyone had his mind fixed upon the highest 
summit, which was only a few hundred yards off, but quite 
invisible, and they stood there waiting and turning their 
eyes obstinately northward. During an hour and a-half 
180 
