reach, and on the farthest western horizon even the fairy-like
outline of the distant Irish hills, never visible except in the clearest
winter weather, shone out distinctly.

"Isn't it scrumptious?" exclaimed Percy, as he flung himself breathless
onto the cairn. "If we had waited a year we couldn't have picked out
such a day. Why, that must be Snowdon we see over there, and the high
ground out at sea, Holyhead?"

Thus they went on, delightedly recognising the landmarks north, south,
east, and west, and forgetting both the hour and the rising breeze.

"Why, it's two o'clock!" cried Percy presently, looking at his watch,
and shivering at the same time.

"Put on your coat," said Jeffreys; "the wind's getting up a bit, and we
shall have it in our faces going down."

As they started to descend they became aware of a sudden change in the
hitherto cloudless day. The western horizon, which had just now been
unfolding its distant beauties, seemed lost in a fine haze, which spread
north and south, blotting out one after another the glories of landscape
on which they had scarcely ceased to feast their eyes.

"There's a mist out there," said Percy, as they scrambled down the
boulders; "I hope to goodness it will keep away from us."

"The wind is a little north-west; it may drive it south of us, but it is
spreading at a great rate."

"Never mind; it will be rather a joke if it comes. I could find the way
down with my eyes shut, and I've often wanted to be in a regular fog up
here," said Percy.

"I don't know what you feel," responded Jeffreys; "but I'm rather glad
we brought our coats. Isn't it cold?"

The wind which met them seemed charged with cold, and after a while
began to scatter a feathery sleet in their faces.

Percy whistled.

"We didn't bargain for that, I say," said he. "I hope it shuts up
before we cross over the ledge down there."

Julius howled dismally. He, too, guessed what this blinding shower-bath
foreboded, and stumbled along, miserable and shivering.

The higher zigzag, which had seemed easy enough two hours ago, tried
them sorely now. The sleet half blinded them, and the fresh moisture,
freezing as it fell, caused them to slip and slide at every step. Still
they got down it somehow, and turned to face the narrow track along the
cliff. Percy, much as he repined at the change in the elements, felt no
doubt as to the possibility of getting over.

"We may have to crawl a bit of the way i