186 



TO THE SHAYAK. 



should say, was three feet in diameter. I could not 

 remain in my tent, the heat was so great ; so I sat under 

 the tree, where it was more endurable. 



It had been agreed that I should inspect the river to- 

 morrow morning with the thanadar's son who promised 

 to have four or five horses ready this evening: but 

 nothing further than reports of their being on the way 

 eventuated, and from this and other significant indications 

 I am of opinion that, under all the superficial demon- 

 strations of anxiety to assist me on my way, runs a strong 

 reflux of concealed opposition. But, if so, I think I can 

 either turn it aside, or surmount it. This delay is 

 vexatious, as I have not a day to spare. I must try and 

 recover the day lost by a double march or two, which will 

 be easy enough as I purpose mounting all my attendants. 



It was a beautiful sunset ; such as I have not seen for 

 a long time, having been for the most part so closely shut 

 in by mountains as to have had no view whatever of the 

 declining sun ; and, moreover, were there distances, there 

 has been usually too little vapour for effect. To-night 

 good distances and a cloudy sky lent their aid to the 

 mountainous landscape. The huge rugged mountains, 

 softened in the subdued evening light, suffused with 

 mellow glowing tints, were certainly arrayed to the best 

 advantage their massive proportions and gaunt naked- 

 ness toned down into pleasing harmonies of form and 

 colour. Long I sat gazing, admiring, and musing long 

 after all beauty of external landscape had vanished, but 

 enjoying mental visions of charms surpassing even the 

 reality, now faded into the past when Buddoo broke in 

 upon my reveries with the lantern, and in obedience to 

 the mandate I was soon ensconced in my canvas nutshell, 

 in which confined space I was soon made very sensible of 

 the true littleness of myself and my sphere. 



