e abyss, bounding from rock to rock, and he knew, although
the swirling snow prevented him seeing it, that his steed was, in a few
minutes, dashed to pieces in the gorge a thousand feet below. For some
time Will did not dare to rise. The gale grew fiercer every moment, and
the darkness--not of night, but of thick clouds--increased. As the snow
accumulated over him he feared being buried alive, so he struggled out
of the drift and looked around him. It was utter chaos--not a landmark
was visible. Having turned round once or twice, he did not know how to
direct his steps. While hesitating as to what he should do, another
gust swept by, carried away his hat and poncho, tore his over-coat right
up the back and compelled him to lie down again, in which position he
remained until he felt benumbed with cold. Knowing that to remain much
longer in that position would insure his death, our hero rose and
staggered forward a few paces--he scarce knew whither. There was a lull
in the gale at this time, and he continued to advance, when a voice
behind arrested him.

"Hooroo! doctor, whereabouts are ye?"

"Hallo! Larry, here I am, all right."

"Faix, it's well ye are that same," said Larry, looming through the
drifting snow like a white spectre, "for it's all wrong with us. Wan o'
the poor baists wi' the packs has gone clane over the cliffs an' bin
smashed to smithereens--more be token it's the wan that carried the
kittle an' the salt beef, but the wan wi' the biscuit an' the fryin'-pan
is safe, an' that's a comfort, anyhow."

Will expressed his regret at this, and was beginning to tell how his own
mule had been killed, when Bunco suddenly made his appearance, and,
seizing him by the collar, dragged him with extreme violence a few paces
forward. For one brief instant a flush of anger mingled with Will's
surprise at this unceremonious treatment; but all other feelings gave
way to one of gratitude to God when, observing his faithful attendant
point to the spot from which he had been dragged, he turned round and
saw that he had been standing on the extreme verge of the precipice.
Had he advanced one step after being arrested by the voice of his
comrade, his mangled body would, in a few seconds, have been lying
beside that of his poor mule!

There was no time to speak of these things, however, just then, for the
storm, or rather the squall, burst forth again with increased violence,
and the pass was still before them--so l