Year: 1871

was fast becoming endangered. I


began to look around, and seeing
of to my right ledge, determin-


ed to reach it to get a safe resting


place. Oncethere a feeling of safe


ty returned, the fatigue was over


and the charms of the surround
ingsrenewed in doubly strong force.


A new start was made when my


companion left me, he going to the


right, I to the left. Again the as
cent became steep and dangerous,


but I was careless about the risk so


attained my purpose. The noun


tain was now so precipitous that 1


had to work my way by means of


an alpenstock which I carried in


my hand and one like those travellers


always use. By this time a two


fold inducementin influenced me-the
reward awaiting me and the unwin-
ingness to turn back and give up.
All persons who have climbed steep
mountains know that the danger is
not half SO apparent while going up.


l had not noticed where l was, and
now that I think of it, cannot un-
derstand how 1 for a moment kept
my footing. At last it was found
impossible to gofurther. Planting
my alpenstock firmly in the soft
stone, 1 surveyed the prospect, but
only for a moment. I felt myself
giving away. Unwisely I looked
down. The sight was dreadful.
Far beneath me the green valley
lay, but shOrn of its charms. From
its beautiful, quiet face 1 turned
with horror, feeling that my blood
would soon die its grass. The
Jungfrau had become a painful
sight. thought of those who had
lost their lives among the Alps and
felt that my name must be added
to the roll. From some happy in
fluence, I know not what, 1 was
caused to reason that unless I drop
ped all such thoughts and steadied
my nerves and make an effort to see
if l could not find means of escape,
l would soon belost. My compau-
ion was too far away to help me-
He saw my condition, but said not
a word. Leaning back against the
mountain I tried to throw my guide
book which was encumbering me
to the ledge on which I had rested.
The book falling on the ledge did
not stop, but rolled down the cliff,
its leaves rattling in the wind
1 could hear it fainter and fainter.
was that my death knell! could
but feel it, and oh, how dreadful,
awfully dreadful 1 felt! hope
am not coward, but then I expert
enced anything but feeling of cour-
age. Something whispered, ''This
will not do-you must make an at
temptr' Gradually raising and
moving my alpenstock, 1 pushed it
in the rock and moved down an inch.
The least momentum would have
sent me headlong I well knew
Summoning up all my resolution
and presence of mind and thinking
only of escape, I continued slowly
and carefully to inch my way along.
The mere fact of motion seemed to
Withdraw my mind from everything
else, and thus by degrees I was be-
coming more and more deliberate.
In this way I moved on till at last
at last!-it seemed like an age
1 was on the ledge, safe where I
could rest. My strength was all
gone-not a limb could be moved,
but my mind was free to offer a
prayer of thanks, under circumstan-
ces calculated to call forth strong,
deep gratitude. Iknow felt thank
full. hope 1 am still. The dan
ger was over and after another effort
1 was down in the valley. I Thought
then 1 would never fail to heed a
a friendly warning. even if given
by a few brush.