slope so steep that it
seemed impossible for man or mule to descend. Being partly sheltered
from the fitful gusts of wind, it was pretty clear of snow, and they
could see that a zigzag track led to the bottom. What made the descent
all the more difficult was a loose layer of small stones, on which they
slipped continually. Before they had quite completed the descent the
storm burst forth. Suddenly dense clouds of snow were seen rushing down
from the neighbouring peaks before a hurricane of wind, compared with
which previous gusts were trifles.

"Come on--fast--fast!" shouted the guide, looking back and waving his
hand.

The first deafening roar of the blast drowned the shout; but before the
snowdrift blinded him, Lawrence had observed the wave of the hand and
the anxious look. Dashing the cruel Spanish spurs for the first time
into the side of his no doubt astonished steed, he sprang alongside of
Manuela's mule, seized the bridle, and dragged it forward by main force.
Of course the creature objected, but the steep road and slipping gravel
favoured them, so that they reached the bottom in safety.

Here they found the first of the refuge-huts, and in a few moments were
all safe within its sheltering walls.

Having been erected for a special purpose, the hut was well adapted to
resist the wildest storm. It was built of brick and mortar, the
foundation being very solid, and about twelve feet high, with a brick
staircase outside leading to the doorway. Thus the habitable part of
the edifice was raised well above the snow. The room was about twelve
feet square, the floor of brick, and the roof arched. It was a
dungeon-like place, dimly lighted by three loop-holes about six inches
square, and without furniture of any kind. A mark in the wall indicated
the place where a small table had originally been fixed; but it had been
torn down long before, as Pedro explained, by imprisoned and starving
travellers to serve for firewood. The remains of some pieces of charred
wood lay on the floor where the fire was usually kindled, and, to
Pedro's great satisfaction, they found a small pile of firewood which
had been left there by the last travellers.

"A dismal enough place," remarked Lawrence, looking round after shaking
and stamping the snow out of his garments.

"You have reason to thank God, senhor, that we have reached it."

"True, Senhor Pedro, and I am not thankless; yet do I feel free to
repeat that it is a mos