Page:My Climbs in the Alps and Caucasus (1908).djvu/284

278 long as this was possible the axe could be wielded with both arms, and excellent holes and cavities could be cut out of the opposing walls. Somewhat lower, the crevasse widened very materially, and, despite considerable length of limb, I could no longer reach across the chasm. I was, in consequence, reduced to cutting the staircase exclusively in the flake. It was impossible to stand in the steps so cut without holding on with at least one hand, the other being alone available for the axe. The steps soon began to show signs of scamping, and my companions above were urged to give due heed to the rope. Fortunately the axe held at full length still reached the opposing wall, and its support materially aided the otherwise most perilous business of getting from one step to another.

The flake, near its outer edge, curved in toward the great upper wall of the Schrund, and, having fought my way to this part of the crevasse, secure standing ground could once more be constructed. Here I halted a moment to recover from the effects of the struggle. One foot was supported on the flake and the other was wedged into a notch in the parent ice, while all eternity yawned between, and in this attitude I had to consider what should be done next. The flake was becoming very thin, indeed the difference of light and shade in the distant landscape could be clearly detected through its mass; the texture of its substance also left much to be