TO THE SHAYAK. 187 



1st August. A cloudy morning which was welcomed 

 as conveying an increased chance of an early abatement 

 of the floods : because, the sun's powers being intercepted 

 and diminished, the snows on the distant lofty mountains, 

 on the solvency of which the state of the river depends, 

 would be subject to a much reduced action of that 

 consuming orb. 



Some wretched tats were sent by the than's son, for 

 which I abused the gopal who brought them ; and 

 perceiving it to be necessary to assume a more commanding 

 tone, when the above-mentioned official sent his salaam 

 by a sepoy, I returned him a sharp rebuke which operated 

 favourably, as the sepoy soon returned with explanations 

 and assurances of every effort being made to comply 

 with my desires ; that active trustworthy men had been 

 sent to ascertain the state of the river, and orders for 

 horses had been despatched in all directions. Notwith- 

 standing, I thought it advisable to adopt precautionary 

 measures to ensure a true report of the river's condition, 

 so sent off the shikarries on the tattoos to examine it 

 thoroughly up and down ; who after some hours absence 

 returned, and stated confidently that the water was going 

 down fast, and that the river would be easily forded 

 to-morrow. They had crossed many mullahs into which 

 it was divided, and had gone through much hard work. 

 They were proud of their performances, exhibiting their 

 wet clothes, and helping each other to exaggerate their 

 aquatic feats. Much pleased with the information, I gave 

 orders for the move on the morrow at 10 A.M., considering 

 that the water would be at its lowest about 11. 



The thanadar junior came to pay his respects, and 

 received the news of the river being passable without 

 placing much reliance on it, cautioning us to avoid risking 

 the lives of any of the people. I had a long talk with 



