Across the Roof of the World. 



decided to limit it to my own Double Company, from which there 

 were 40 volunteers. The nature and extent of the journey were 

 fully explained, and that the route would take us through wild 

 and little-known parts of Asia, whilst the successful accom- 

 plishment of the undertaking was also pointed out as being by 

 no means assured. Their ardour was not, however, in the least 

 degree damped, the love of adventure and a journey into the 

 unknown appealing strongly to them. 



After careful examination a man was chosen to fill the coveted 

 post. Rifleman Gi3^an Sing, the hero in question, followed my 

 fortunes right through, being the only man to complete the entire 

 journey with me from start to finish. His experiences throughout 

 so extensive a field of travel, and the marvels they brought in 

 their wake, culminating with our arrival in London, the hub of 

 the mightiest Empire the world has ever seen, were indeed a 

 revelation to him. Until we reached Flushing, ii|- months after 

 leaving Landsowne, he had never set eyes upon the sea, whilst 

 the area of vast London, the wonders of tube railways, the cease- 

 less stream of people encountered in the streets, and numerous 

 other astounding sights left upon him a profound and lasting 

 impression. 



For several weeks prior to my departure from Lansdowne 1 

 was busily occupied with the final preparations. All was ready^ 

 however, on March 8th, when I sent off my kit in charge 

 of the orderly, with instructions to await my arrival at Srinagar. 

 A week later, on the 15th, accompanied by the good wishes 

 of the regiment, I left myself, cycling down the hill road 

 which leads from Lansdowne to the railway branch station 

 at Kotdwara. Coasting along the narrow and winding track a 

 feeling of keenest joy took possession of me as I pondered over 

 the possibilities of the future, and the chances of record heads in 

 those happy hunting grounds far away in the heart of Asia. The 

 realisation of a long-cherished dream was at hand. The great 

 trek had commenced. 



From Kotdwara a branch line leads to Najibabad, on the main 



