290 THE SECOND HIMALAYAN JOURNEY 



The journey produced wonderful results, but ended in 

 a very unpleasant adventure. In the latter part of it, Dr. 

 Campbell joined Hooker, and on their return both were seized 

 and held as hostages for nearly two months while the Dewan 

 tried to extort better terms in the treaty between Sikkim and 

 India. The party had set out on May 3 for a three months' 

 trip, but it was six months before the explorations were com- 

 pleted, and eight before the travellers returned to Darjiling 

 on Christmas Day, 184.9. 



Hooker, travelling alone, would certainly not have been 

 thus molested ; but the chance of seizing the Political Agent 

 was irresistible to the crafty Oriental, one of whose chief 

 henchmen, moreover, had a personal score to settle with the 

 Eesident, who had caused him to be punished for the abduction 

 of two Brahmin girls from Nepaul. For Hooker at first was 

 reserved merely passive obstruction, triumphantly overcome by 

 good-humour and patience, and the exhibition of the Rajah's 

 formal permit and promise of assistance on the way to the 

 snowy passes. The latter he was careful to obtain, despite the 

 renewed shuffling of the Dewan, which would have left him 

 with the poor alternative of a second visit to Jongri. 



As there are many rapid rivers to be crossed, and I 

 must have relays of food, I cannot well venture without 

 his permission. Though he cannot stop me, he may detain 

 my coolies, and to remove the bridges is only the matter 

 of ten minutes. Lord Dalhousie has again proffered his 

 best services, and I write to him on the subject without 

 hesitation. 



Accordingly Campbell wrote a third letter to the Rajah, giving 

 him ten days in which to make up his mind, and send formal 

 permission and a guide. 



This was effectual. By May 2 permission had come to 

 visit the Lachen and Lachoong passes, and a guide, the same 

 Meepo who had served on the former expedition, was to meet 

 him a few marches ahead. It was a disappointment that, 

 owing to a stringent order from the Court of Directors as to 

 leave, Lord Dalhousie, however willing, was unable to grant 



