Now it was certain death for them to try the icy steeps.
Sherburne ordered the main body of the troop to halt in a forested and sheltered glen in the side of the mountain, and, choosing Harry, St.
Clair, Langdon, the guide Wallace, and six others, he advanced with them on foot.

It was difficult climbing, and more than once they were bruised by falls, but they learned to regard such accidents as trifles, and ardent of spirit they pressed forward.
"I think we'll get a good view," said Sherburne.

"See how brilliantly the sun is shining in the valley." "Yes, and the mists on the crests are clearing away," said Harry.
"Then with the aid of the glasses we can get a sweep up the valley for many miles.

Now boys, here we go! up! up!" If it had not been for the bushes they could never have made the ascent, as they were now in the region of snow and ice and the slopes were like glass.

Often they were compelled to crawl, and it was necessary, too, to exercise a good deal of care in crawling.
St.Clair groaned as he rose after climbing a rock, and brushed the knees of his fine gray trousers.
"Cheer up, Arthur," said Langdon, "it could have been worse.