Over the loose stones I scrambled, clinging with
hands and feet as best I could, whilst an avalanche of rocky fragments
slid, tumbled, and rattled ominously down the declivity.
I got my hands upon the smooth rock, but at my feet the loose stones
were slipping rapidly away; this, in a moment more, would leave me
without support and mercilessly let me follow them. But Pippity, who
had been flying around me in the greatest excitement, got just above
me, and planting his toes firmly against the rock, seized me by the
shoulder. Then, holding on with a most determined grip of his bill, he
pulled like a Trojan; and I do verily believe the bird saved my life.
By dint of his pulling and backing upward, seconded by my own frantic
efforts to shuffle up the rock, I succeeded in gaining the foothold
beyond. At least he inspired me with fresh resolution and confidence in
helping myself.
After a little rest, we went on, winding around a succession of short
spirals, and at last reached the highest point of this magnificent
mountain!
* * * * *
What a sensation!
Perched here on the extreme point of a pinnacle more than four thousand
feet above the vast plain of rich fertility embosomed among the
snow-clad mountains.
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