We had gone but a few steps when I plainly guessed from the state of my ankle that our descent would be full of danger, but the guides assured me of their carefulness; so once more we attacked the chains.
"How we got down I shall never fully know; but at last and after infinite pain we stood at the foot of the cliff and entered the forest of rhododendrons.

And here, to the wild astonishment of my guides who plainly thought me mad, I bade them leave me and proceed ahead, remaining within call.

They were full of protestations and dismay, but I was firm.

Trusty they might be, but it was well in this matter to distrust everything and everybody.

Finally, therefore, they obeyed, and I sat watching until their white-clad forms disappeared in the thicket.
"As soon as I judged them to have gone a sufficient distance, I arose and followed, cautiously counting my footsteps.