COMMISSARIAT AND TRANSPORT 197 



have been made the scapegoat. Though this occurred 

 some time ago, he was still brooding over his troubles, and 

 was wearing his heart out in these lonely regions, because 

 he could find no means to vindicate himself from the 

 aspersions cast on him and his regiment by an incompetent 

 general. I heard from him that only one man was now 

 in my prospective shooting ground — a colonel, who was 

 not likely to do much damage to the game, but who would 

 certainly disturb them a good deal by indiscriminate 

 firing. 



Supplies and carriage must be procured from Lukiing 

 and Tankse for the trip into the uninhabited country 

 beyond the Marsemik - la. Xothing whatever is pro- 

 curable there ; even grass and fuel are rarely found, 

 and camping-places have to be arranged accordingly. I 

 took with me eight yaks, two ponies, and a small flock of 

 milch goats, and supplies sufficient for a month's tramp for 

 myself and my followers. To avoid delay, a reliable 

 servant should be sent on in advance, for necessaries to 

 Tankse, and for transport animals to Lukung. Everything 

 should be ready for the sportsman on his arrival at the 

 latter place. In my case I sent on the scoundrel Sariip, 

 who certainly did make all arrangements, but doubtless at 

 a profit. By so managing, I avoided the necessity of halting 

 anywhere on the road from Shiishal till I was well within 

 my shooting ground, thus saving a lot of time and trouble. 

 Nearing Kiam, after two days' march through desolate 

 country, we saw signs of a camp, which turned out to be 

 the colonel's last coolies just leaving ; he himself had 

 departed an hour before, and was going on to Xing-rhi up 

 the valley. He was evidently leaving this shooting ground, 

 so I could not have timed my entry better. I sent a note 

 to the colonel asking about his movements ; he replied 

 that he was now on his way back to Ladakh, and was 



