THE RETURN. 269 



by-the-byc, had augmented the influences disturbing my 

 night's rest, by coming close to my tent, and grinding 

 their hungry jaws, and uttering uncouth sounds, expres- 

 sive of distress and suffering, as though to reproach me 

 as the author of them. I did all I could for the poor 

 things. 



It was supposed that we were distant from Waad 

 Jilgo some two coss ; so a move on was resolved, as water 

 must be had, and the coolies might follow on. The sepoy 

 was despatched to see after them. Hoping to kill an 

 antelope or two, we hunters went on ahead, I as usual on 

 foot. The exhilarating influences of the fresh sharp air, 

 the sparkling snow, and surrounding, many- tinted, diverse- 

 featured mountains and hills, soon dispelled all my gloom, 

 and I trudged cheerily along, enjoying many a pleasant 

 fancy and reflection. But we had short reckoned our 

 distance. It was at least ten miles to the first water and 

 grass ; not the spot we had previously stopped at a 

 couple of miles short of that ; but as the grass was 

 abundant, there was every inducement to rest here, which 

 we did. When the breakfast coolie arrived at twelve 

 o'clock, I found that Abdoolah had put me up nothing, 

 and I was now extremely hungry, having had very short 

 allowance of late. The shikarries, however, soon cooked 

 me a couple of cakes, and, Abdoolah and baggage arriving 

 soon after, I started off with Subhan to try for antelope. 

 We went a long way round, and saw numbers, but could 

 not get near one, and came back, disappointed and weary. 



As we approached camp we saw sheep and goats 

 nearing, a good sign; and I was told that the coolies 

 were all right, except being hungry and thirsty, and were 

 coming on. They did not arrive, however, till dusk, and 

 then two were stated to have given in, and were remaining 

 far behind, helpless. With some trouble and personal 



