192 



TO THE SHAYAK. 



back, over ground it had cost such, exertions to win, was 

 most disheartening. 



Another party of horse and foot had joined mine on 

 the bank, the young relative of Ahmet Shah and attend- 

 ants, who I forgot to mention came to pay his respects to 

 me, being at Diskit detained by the flood from proceeding 

 on to the Lobrah district of which he is kardar. He is a 

 most prepossessing young man in physiognomy and man- 

 ner, and is going to his district principally on my account, 

 to aid my arrangements. It was now half-past twelve ; 

 and the flood's might, augmented as usual at this time of 

 day by the melted snow, cut off our retreat, so I was the 

 more anxious for my party and effects to hasten their 

 movements, and saw with vexation that there they stuck, 

 like Asiatics, irresolute on the bank. But, seeing me 

 resolutely fighting my way back, they at last got under 

 weigh, and, I am glad to say, all got back safe and sound, 

 men and baggage. The latter had narrow escapes ; four 

 coolies, becoming bothered and frightened, lost their way in 

 the middle of the current of one of the biggest channels, 

 and had to be rescued. 



I settled, down again in my former ground, giving direct- 

 ions for further examination of the river to-morrow ; but 

 am resolved not to attempt the passage again, till some 

 one has actually crossed. The delay is very vexatious, 

 but I must endeavour to make up for it by expedition. 

 If I get my extension of leave, it will not matter in the 

 least ; but should that be unattainable, I shall have to 

 ride, night and day, through Roopschoo and Kulu from 

 Leh to save my distance. But I must get to these Kara- 

 korum mountains, whatever may betide. 



We saw numerous trees and pieces of timber remnants 

 of the bridge once spanning the river somewhere above 

 this, which was carried away some months since by the 



