At 11.30 A.M. we stood on the summit at an altitude of one thousand
seven hundred and fifty feet, while across the valley to the north-east
rose Mount Murchison, one hundred and fourteen feet higher. The top of
the ridge was quite a knife-edge, with barely space for standing. It
ran mainly north and south, dipping in the centre, to curve away sharply
westward to a higher eminence. At the bend was an inaccessible patch of
rock. The surrounding view was much the same at that on Mount Murchison.

The Union Jack and the Australian flag were erected on a bamboo, and
photographs taken. At the same time, low, threatening clouds rapidly
emerged from the southeast, covering the sun and creating the
"snow-blind" light. This was rather alarming as the climb had been
difficult enough under a clear sky, and the descent was certainly much
more difficult. So we hastily ate some chocolate and discussed the best
way down.

Prospecting to the north, in search of a long snow ramp which appeared
to run away in that direction, we scrambled down to the edge of a wide
snowy crevasse full of blue chinks.

Turning back, we considered the chances of sliding down a steep scoured
hollow to the west and finally decided to descend by the track we had
cut.

McLean started off first down the steps and was out of sight in a few
moments. When the rope tightened, Correll followed him and then I came
last. It was very ticklish work feeling for the steps below with one's
feet, and, as we signalled to one another in turn after moving a step,
it took more than an hour to reach a safe position on the rocks. With
every step I drove my axe into the ice, so that if the others had fallen
there would still have been a last chance.

There was no time to be wasted; light snow was falling with the prospect
of becoming thicker. In the gully the snowfall became heavy, limiting
the view to within a few hundred yards. We advanced up the hill in
what seemed to be the steepest direction, but circled half-way round it
before finding out that the course was wrong. Aimlessly trying to place
the broad flat summit I came across tracks in the snow, which were then
carefully followed and led to the tent. The wind was rising outside
and the hoosh in steaming mugs was eaten with extra relish in our snug
retreat.

Specimens were labelled to be deposed and provisions were arranged
for the rest of the journey. It was evident that we had superfluous
clothing, and so the weigh