Sometimes, too, the ground suddenly fell, and they found themselves on the edge of a deep chasm which they had to go round.

Thus, in retracing their steps so as to find some practicable path, much time was employed and fatigue undergone for nothing.

At twelve o'clock, when the small band of adventurers halted for breakfast at the foot of a large group of firs, near a little stream which fell in cascades, they found themselves still half way from the first plateau, which most probably they would not reach till nightfall.

From this point the view of the sea was much extended, but on the right the high promontory prevented their seeing whether there was land beyond it.

On the left, the sight extended several miles to the north; but, on the northwest, at the point occupied by the explorers, it was cut short by the ridge of a fantastically-shaped spur, which formed a powerful support of the central cone.
At one o'clock the ascent was continued.