62 THE FOREST AND THE FIELD. 



the narcotic weed, lubricated by modicums from a 

 steaming bowl, the ambrosial fragrance of which 

 was most grateful to our olfactories after the 

 journey. Fred and I found plenty to talk about, 

 recalling old scenes to mind, and asking and 

 receiving tidings of many an ancient friend. He 

 seemed very little changed, although he had wea- 

 thered many a frown of fortune, and seen his full 

 share of active service, since we parted, and was 

 still the same generous, open-hearted, careless dare- 

 all, such as I had ever known him. Before we 

 retired to roost that night, it was settled that we 

 should commence operations with a fortnight's 

 hunting in the Doon, to be followed by an excur- 

 sion to Gangootree, the source of the Ganges, and 

 to Jumnautri, the source of the Jumna, after which 

 we were to cross the Mlung, pass into the valley of 

 the Sutlej, and finish off with an expedition to 

 Kashmere. The next day was to be devoted to 

 preparation, and on the second we were to make a 

 start. In the morning, after breakfast, my baggage 

 was unpacked, the battery and ammunition over- 

 hauled, and four additional hands engaged, as, on 



