About 6 P.M.
After a time we were able to do that which should have been done at first , and fixed rope to firm rocks , in addition to being tied together . These ropes were cut from time to time , and were left behind . Even with their assurance the men were afraid to proceed , and several times old Peter turned , with ashy face and faltering limbs , and said , with terrible emphasis , `` I CAN NOT ! '' About 6 P.M. , we arrived at the snow upon the ridge descending toward Zermatt , and all peril was over . We frequently looked , but in vain , for traces of our unfortunate companions ; we bent over the ridge and cried to them , but no sound returned . Convinced at last that they were neither within sight nor hearing , we ceased from our useless efforts ; and , too cast down for speech , silently gathered up our things , and the little effects of those who were lost , and then completed the descent . Such is Mr. Whymper 's graphic and thrilling narrative .