118 SOOROO PASS 



rumbling under my bed : the two hunters were getting 

 out the guns. " Mind you bring back the big horned 

 one," I said, and again relapsed into peaceful, strength- 

 restoring slumbers. "When up, I set to work to cast 

 bullets, and found the mould for the Whitworth most 

 ingeniously constructed, but with a great deal more art 

 than was actually necessary. The bolt was not true, 

 however, the base of the cylinder being larger than the 

 upper part ; but I thought that this could be remedied by 

 the use of the knife and file, though at considerable ex- 

 pense of time and trouble. And so it turned out. 



There were letters from Punnoo, Vizier, assuring me 

 the offending villagers should be punished, and from the 

 Baboo on matters of business, and lots of newspapers 

 which were most acceptable. 



About 2 P.M. I saw Mooktoo returning alone. He 

 immediately beckoned me. I guessed his object, and 

 called out to the coolies to bustle up and be off to help the 

 shikarries that they would now find lots of meat. 

 There was a general stir and excitement in the bivouac, 

 all turning out to gaze upon the approaching Mooktoo, 

 still a long way off on the other side the river. He car- 

 ried something evidently; and, on one of the coolies 

 reaching him, he threw down his load which we then 

 perceived to be the head of an ibex, with fine horns. 



He shortly joined us, and proclaimed the welcome 

 news of four fine ibex being the result of their chase. 

 All the coolies were despatched to help Subhan who, in 

 the course of three or four hours, made his appearance 

 with a long train of followers bearing heads and limbs. 

 There were great rejoicings at this great success, and the 

 prospect of a general feast of flesh. I looked mournfully 

 on the unfortunate victims, taking little pleasure in their 

 destruction, as I had not enjoyed the excitement of the 



