At last we were in the saddles.

The Soyot went ahead trying to make out the trail.

As we worked higher the guide less seldom lost the way.

Frequently we fell into deep holes covered with snow; we scrambled up over slippery rocks.

At last the Soyot swung his horse round and, coming up to me, announced very positively: "I do not want to die with you and I will not go further." My first motion was the swing of my whip back over my head.