"We might have a worse lodging, for we shall there, at
all events, be sheltered from the snow and wind."

It was now perfectly dark; but after searching for some time, we
succeeded in discovering the cavern. While he tethered my male outside,
I staggered in, and, overcome with fatigue and the pain I was suffering,
sunk upon the ground, a stone which lay near me serving for a pillow. I
begged him to let me remain where I was, while he refreshed himself with
some of the provisions we had brought with us. We had no means of
striking a light: and as he could afford me no assistance beyond
throwing a poncho over me, he did not interfere; but soon afterwards,
stretching himself out near me, he fell asleep. Having been on foot all
day, he required rest as much as I did. As soon as I fell into a
slumber, the smarting pain of the _surumpe_ awoke me, and I was obliged
to give up all hope of sleep. How long the night seemed! My thoughts
all the time were active, and I need scarcely say that they were fixed
on my expedition, and means of accomplishing my object.

It was towards the morning, when a dreadful turn was given to them.
Happening to stretch out my hand, it came in contact with a cold clammy
substance. I drew it back, and an indescribable horror crept over me;
but influenced by an impulse I could not control, I again put it out
towards the object. It rested on the face of a human being. I was
certain that I could not be mistaken. I felt the mouth, and nose, and
hair; but the features were rigid and immoveable. It was that of a
corpse. Constitutionally fearless, under other circumstances I should
have got up and removed myself from the disagreeable neighbourhood,
supposing that some unfortunate traveller had like us taken shelter
there, and died from cold or hunger; but weak with mental and bodily
suffering, I had now no power over myself, and lay trembling with
horror, not even venturing to call out to Manco to break the dreadful
spell which was upon me. It is impossible to describe my feelings, or
the ideas which took possession of my mind. Whose corpse could it be?
Might there not be others in the cave? I thought, if I could be said to
be thinking. At last, I believe I swooned away, for most certainly I
did not sleep. An exclamation from Manco aroused me. Daylight was
streaming into the cavern, and he was sitting up and gazing towards me.
In another instant he was by my side, and, with careful foreth