Across the Roof of the World. 



to the tender mercies of this individual, I took to the swirhng 

 waters, leaving the baggage to follow as soon as we ourselves 

 should be over in safety. 



One great advantage in fording the Yarkand is the fact that the 

 bed is smooth and hrm wherever one can touch it, so there is no- 

 distressing blundering and struggling amongst huge boulders 

 and rocks, every one seemingly put in its particular position as a 

 pitfall for the unfortunate traveller. 



\lli\V CJK THE KASKUM VALLEY. 



Now, to attempt the crossing of a big and rushing river a: 

 good acquaintance with the fords conducting from one side to the 

 other is essential, though even this knowledge is sometimes 

 stultified by the seething current which catches the forder in its 

 folds, throwing him about like a cork, and lucky he be if not 

 washed away and drowned. The guide professing to be well up 

 in river lore of this nature was deputed to take the lead., and 

 pilot us through the billows, a post not aj)pealing to him. but 



94 



