So my memory of land-marks--if
there be any--would be nothing on the downward journey. But upward it
might come to life. Again, upward there is less chance of missing the
way, as all the valleys converge to the Pass, whereas downward they
spread out in different directions."
In fact, there were so many points in favour of advance that the
decision was made for it, and the next night settled on for the start.
There were not many preparations to make except for the women, who had
to bake what flour they had into hearth cakes. They had a little wheat
and pulse, too, and this they roasted and tied up in the corners of
their veils. Everything that was heavy had to be left behind, for they
knew that even unburdened they might have difficulty in getting the
frost film on the snow to bear their weight. It was a bright, starlight
night when, the snow tunnel having been enlarged by Roy, regardless of
flooding the shed, the whole party crept out and stood on the wide,
snowy expanse. Tumbu was first, and with joyful yaps began to career
about in circles curved like a comma, biting and snapping at the snow.
Down came last, and _meaowed_ piteously, lifting up first one cold foot,
then another, and shaking it in disgust. Finally an idea seemed to come
into her head; she made a bound toward Tumbu, and the next moment was on
his back, clawing onto his fluffy black fur; whereat everybody laughed.
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