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Show QUESTIONS AND ANSWEES. 121 whole party demanded their immediate extrication from the dangers which surrounded them ; every hour, every minute, in these mountains of snow, but increased their perils; on foot, with almost inaccessible rugged mountains1 of snow to overcome, with no prospects of food except what our remaining animals might afford-to stop, qr remain an indefinite time with a disabled comrade, was certain death to the whole party, without benefiting him ; his companions being so weak, that they could not carry him along. I made up my mind on one occasion, not to leave camp, my exhausted condition reminded me of the great difficulty and bodily pain which I endured, to reach camp the night before. I was fully prepared to remain by myself, and await my fate. I probably should have done so, but for the fond links which bound me to life, exercising a magic influence which inspired me with fresh courage, and determination. If such had been the case, might not my friends, in the excess of their grief have exclaimed, " Alas! for my poor son, who was left by his companions to perish in the mountains of snow." It would have been difficult to have persuaded my old parents, of the utter impossibility of preventing it. They would have attached cruelty, and neglect, to the whole party, and laid their son's death at the door of their leader. How is it in war, when the superior force of the enemy demands an immediate retreat by the opposing army, without permitting time to carry the wounded off the field ? How is it with a man who falls overboard during a storm, when imminent peril to the vessel and crew would follow an attempt to rescue him ? The life of one must be sacrificed for the safety of the whole. 6 |
