LEH. 173 



never attack an European, though close to the town, or 

 even in the streets ; but if he entered a house, then they 

 would set upon him. 



The shikarries, who were listening attentively to all 

 that was said, and occasionally joining in, became very 

 merry at this welcome intelligence ; and after Bella Shah's 

 departure were vehement in their desire and determination 

 to go over the Karakorum. Before leaving, Bella 

 Shah promised to find me a man well acquainted with 

 the road, and the places where the yak are to be found ; 

 though he assures me there is no difficulty about that, as 

 they abound everywhere. We are all very 'koosh,' every 

 thing promising auspiciously, and so much unexpected 

 aid offering in furtherance of my project. 



25th July. I set to work casting bullets before break- 

 fast. It is strange, but these shikarries cannot be trusted 

 to cast any but ordinary spherical bullets. They are too 

 indolent to learn anything, and too careless to be depended 

 upon. I had to dismiss Phuttoo from even attending the 

 ladle to clear away the dross, and install Buddoo in his 

 place, so negligent was he. I continued at this tedious 

 work till breakfast time, by which time I was quite baked, 

 the fire blazing in front of me, and the sun equally hot 

 on my back. Buddoo and my bearer continued the 

 operation, and, to my relief and satisfaction, succeeded 

 capitally. 



Suleiman and my servants being urgent for me to send 

 off letters, including theirs, I set to work and wrote for 

 six hours at a stretch, which, as I wrote with paper on 

 knee, stooping over it, gave me a headache; but I 

 managed to finish nine letters in all, including one to 

 General Windham urgently soliciting a month's extension 

 of leave, to enable me to carry out my schemes comfortably. 

 I continued very dizzy ; talked over arrangements, and 



