THE FIRST NIGHT IN THE MOUNTAINS 63 



under sheltering canvas, the poor bearers are trying 

 to cuddle up nearer and nearer to the smouldering 

 wood, wrapping their chipatti-filled bodies in their 

 everyday clothing, with no addition for the night. 

 In their squatting position the white burnous covers 

 them from head to ankle, leaving the feet un- 

 covered impervious to any amount of cold. 



Deep stillness descends upon our camp. From 

 the distance comes a festive rustle, and close by is a 

 murmuring and splashing the secret colloquies of 

 myriads of rills all wandering on their way to the 

 sea. What an enchanting, thrilling melody ! 



I remain where I am, sunk deep in dreams and 

 thought. 



The stars twinkle above me. The Milky Way 

 spreads its shining path an unending chain of 

 worlds running on into eternity. Devoutly and 

 fervently do I dive deep into the silvery light of the 

 heavens, trying there to cool and solve many a 

 burning question or doubt. 



