rees on the
two banks of the ravine, while from them was suspended a cradle or hammock
of capacity for two persons, which was drawn backward and forward by long
lines. Horses and mules were similarly drawn across, suspended by long
girths around their bodies.

Where the streams were fordable the current was usually so strong that the
infantry had to pass two by two with their arms thrown round each other's
shoulders. To lose their footing was to lose their lives. Bolivar
frequently passed these torrents back and forward on horseback, carrying
the sick and weakly, or the women who accompanied the expedition.

In the lower levels the climate was moist and warm, only a little firewood
being needed for their nightly bivouacs. But as they ascended they reached
localities where an ice-cold wind blew through the stoutest clothing,
while immense heaps of rocks and hills of snow bounded the view on every
side and clouds veiled the depths of the abysses. The only sounds to be
heard were those of the roaring torrents they had passed and the scream of
the condor as it circled the snowy peaks above. Here all vegetation
disappeared except the clinging lichens and a tall plant which bore plumes
instead of leaves and was covered with yellow flowers, resembling a
funeral torch. To add to the terrors of the journey the path was marked by
crosses, erected in memory of travellers who had perished by the way.

In this glacial region the provisions brought with them gave out. The
cattle on which they had depended as their chief resource could go no
farther. Thus, dragging on through perils and privation, at length they
reached the summit of the Paya pass, a natural stronghold where a
battalion would have been able to hold a regiment in check. An outpost of
three hundred men occupied it, but these were easily dispersed by
Santander, who led the van.

At this point the men, worn out by the difficulties of the way, began to
murmur. Bolivar called a council of war and told its members that there
were greater difficulties still to surmount. He asked if they would keep
on, or if they preferred to return. They all voted in favor of going
onward, and the knowledge of their decision inspired the weary troops with
new spirit.

Before the terrible passage was completed one hundred men had died of
cold, fifty of them being Englishmen. Not a horse was left, and it was
necessary to abandon the spare arms, and even some of those borne by the
soldiers.