l.KIl AND LADAK. 289 



where was our camp, and were warmly welcomed by 

 Suleiman and domestics. The former was much relieved 

 at our appearance, having suffered, he said, much sus- 

 pense from want of authentic information regarding us, 

 and flying rumours of misfortune. 



Major Tryon had taken his unfortunate servant with 

 him in a doolie* He had lost some of his fingers which 

 had dropped off, but was thought to be getting better. 



No letters or papers for me, nor any news of those 

 transmitted hence having reached the Baboo. I am thus 

 in a fix, not knowing whether I have leave or no, nor 

 even if my application for leave was ever received. I 

 must hasten on to Cashmere, expecting to meet the 

 Baboo's explanations ' en route.' 



The thanadar was very civil in messages, sending 

 apples and a sheep, bed and bedding too. Abdoolah 

 arrived and reported things on the way, yet far behind. 

 Buddoo and bedding arrived, so I was well provided for. 

 I sat chatting by the fire some time, and then turned 

 into my large tent, quite a mansion, and read for an hour 

 or so. One small snooze and then I was roused and 

 kept awake for hours by an inharmonious combination of 

 sounds people wandering about, coolies arriving holloa- 

 ing at each other, servants and followers all jabbering 

 away together, horses neighing, a jackass braying, yaks 

 grunting, and Sara and Fan rushing out of the tent and 

 adding their shrill yelps to the general outcry. I sum- 

 moned patience, and dwelling on my safety and comfort 

 forbore to interrupt my retainers in the outpouring of 

 their mutual gossip on reunion ; but lay and endured it 

 all, hoping for a lull in the storm, which at length arriv- 

 ing, I submitted joyfully to the sweet bonds of sleep. 



22nd September. A delightful fresh morning. I just 

 sauntered about around my tent, and ordered two sheep, 



