Across the Roof of the World. 



work while it lasted. These people knew little about the north- 

 ward route into the Great Yiildnz Valley, and when they learnt 

 I wanted guides stealthily disappeared into the mountains, 

 aghast no doubt at the mere thought of a journey to unknown 

 lands. This was rather disconcerting, but, knowing the general 

 direction to take, I comforted the Turkis with me as well as 

 possible, making light of their fear and trembling, and forged 

 ahead the next day. The route lay up the valley, beautiful 

 pine-clad slopes, with rich green grass. 



Three miles out of camp I reached a small pass leading 

 down into the valley on the far side. This, according to 

 my calculations, I thought should conduct me to the passes 

 leading into the Yulduz Valley. We had little difficulty 

 in getting over the small pass in question, as it presented no 

 serious obstacles. Paths to the summit, though steep, ran in a 

 succession of zigzags formed by generations of the nomads' sheep 

 wandering in search of pasturage. At the foot of the descent 

 was another hut constructed of rough logs thrown together, 

 forming a shelter from wind and weather. It was uninhabited, 

 and its ruined appearance gave the idea it had not been occupied 

 for many years. Past this tumble-down dwelling the track 

 turned north-west through the main valley, the slopes of which 

 were lined with fir and pine, and occasional expanses of grass, 

 the latter capable of affording excellent pasturage to herds of 

 cattle and horses. 



Far down amid the sylvan reaches of this vale I halted 

 for tiffin, sending on the baggage and intending to overtake it 

 later. The site of my frugal luncheon was a grassy sward in a 

 clearing of pines. Behind, the hills rose in a gradual sweep, 

 whilst in front an ic}/ torrent, fed from the innermost depths of 

 the Celestial Mountains, raced onward through this picturesque 

 valley. 



Some distance beyond I reached a point where the nullah 

 divided, the main stream continuing north-west, and a branch 

 striking due west. From an elevated knoll I observed its general 



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