236 
A VOYAGE TO SPITZBEBGEJY. 
leading to them we notice ledges of rock in layers, 
all tending downwards; beneatli ; we see the mountain 
torrent boiling in its narrow bed as it rushes to the 
sea. The opposite side seems no less difficult than 
that we are striving with, and the valley is seen to 
terminate abruptly at some distance above. We let 
ourselves down with great care, holding on to every 
little projecting stone until we reach a secure boulder 
stone some distance down. Here we are brought to a 
standstill, and looking up we find, to our dismay, we 
cannot return. The rocks so overhang it would be 
impossible. Our faces wear a puzzled look. At length 
Hayward volunteers to be lowered by our rifle belts to- 
