PERILOUS FOOTING. 235

an accumulation of small particles of rock which
had, from time immemorial, shaled from the heights
above, and lodged on this slightly projecting shelf.
Lhe distance, from the time taken to pass it, I
guessed to be not far short of a quarter of a mile.
At my foot, literally speaking (for it required but
a semiquaver of the body, or the loosening of my
hold, to throw the centre of gravitation over the
abyss), were spread the valleys of the Drance,
through which I could perceive the river meander-
ing like a silver thread; but, from the height at
which I looked down, its rapidity was invisible,
and its hoarse brawling unheard. The silence was
absolute and solemn ; for, fortunately, not a zephyr
fanned the air to interfere with my precarious equi-
hbrium.

‘There was no inducement for the lesser birds of
the field to warble where we were; and the lammer
geyers and the eagles, if any had their eyries
amidst these crags, were revelling in the banquet
of desolation below. As I looked upon this awfully
magnificent scene, a rapid train of thoughts suc-
ceeded each other—lI felt as if I were contemplating
a world I had left, and which I was never again to
revisit ; for 11 was impossible not be keenly im-
pressed with the idea that something fatal might
occur within the space of the next few minutes,
etlectually preventing my return thither as a living