336 



WELCOME BEST. 



have been expected, they galloped straight up along it, and 

 again stood broadside on within 200 yards, and level with 

 us across the ravine to our right, in the most tantalising 

 manner. Oh for a good breech-loader then ! for I had only 

 the " pea- shooter " left to depend on. Whether the big 

 fellow carried away the contents of the latter I never found 

 out, for though his tracks were followed far beyond the 

 spur, nothing more of either him or his companions did we 

 ever see again. There were eight or nine long miles to 

 trudge over before getting back to camp, and I could have 

 wished no fitter penalty for the delinquents who had so 

 disappointed me about my Express rifle, than to have had 

 them grinding breathlessly alongside me that afternoon, 

 with the cold cutting wind blowing right in their teeth, 

 and the glaring sun scorching the skin off their faces and 

 cracked lips. 



Next day was Sunday, and never did I more welcome a 

 rest. 



im m>^ 



Tibetan xooodcn Cup and Tobacco-pipe. 



