Perhaps there are some five miles of this path before the snow line is reached, beyond which no Indian dared to set his foot, for the ground above was holy.

Along this path he went, and I was content to see it, for I knew well that the traveller cannot leave it, since on either side lie water-courses and cliffs.

Mile after mile de Garcia followed it, looking now to the left, now to the right, and now ahead at the great dome of snow crowned with fire that towered above him.

But he never looked behind him; he knew what was there--death in the shape of a man! I came on doggedly, saving my strength.

I was sure that I must catch him at last, it did not matter when.
At length he reached the snow-line where the path ended, and for the first time he looked back.