CHAPTER IX.

A FRAGMENT An unauthentic MS.—Solitude on the mountain: its advantages to 291 the historian of the Alps—A rope walk—The crossing of the Schrund—A novel form of avalanche and an airy situation—A towering obstacle—The issue of the expedition in the balance—A very narrow escape—The final rush—Victory!—The perils of the descent—I plunge _in medias res_—A flying descent