y downward, sinking more and more in a
gathering avalanche of stones as others were loosened from above to fill
up the vacancy that was made.

Two-thirds--three-quarters of the way across--and once more he began to
slide, but with desperate energy he went on by leaps and bounds now, and
we set up a hoarse cheer as we saw him reach firm ground--a cheer which
did not reach him, for the whole side of the slide seemed to be in
motion, and as I saw him throw himself down, there was a curious
rushing, rattling roar, as if fragments of ice were formed on the
surface of a torrent and were rushing down into the river.

It was very evident that Gunson was exhausted by his tremendous efforts,
for he lay on the rocks, motioning to us with his hand not to come, and
we stood looking from one to the other, mutely inquiring what was to be
done next. At last he rose, unfastened his pack, threw it down behind
him, and came close to the edge of the slide, to look up and about with
his eyes sheltered, as if seeking for a better place for us to cross.

I did the same, gazing high up to where the stones grew smaller, and
then right down to where the flat, thin fragments plunged into the
running river, to be swept away; but, like Gunson, I could see no better
place.

By degrees, though, the fluttering, rattling glide ceased, and the slope
looked level once more, and then Gunson put his hands to his mouth and
shouted--

"Can you hear what I say?"

"Yes."

"Take your packs on your heads, and when you start keep right on; never
hesitate; I'll be ready to help."

We heard every word distinctly, and it sounded curiously like a whisper
that ran along the surface of the stones; and when he had ended, Quong
looked at me sharply with his little black eyes.

"Me go long nex'," he said; and as I nodded, he balanced his great pack
deftly on his head, paused for a few moments to get it quite
satisfactory, and then stretching out his arms like one who walks along
a pole, he started off, while so steep was the slope that his extended
fingers nearly touched the stones as he went along.

The little fellow was so light, so steady and clever, that he tripped
forward without dislodging anything like the amount of stones that
Gunson had set running. But I could see that the effort needed was
terrible as he went on and on, increasing his speed now, slowing then,
and getting more and more over with far less effort, and giving us no
end of encourageme