CHAPTER XLIX 



NOWHERE TO BE FOUND 



THE shikaris take a shorter way this time to arrive 

 at the point where we gave up the search. 



Samdu and Unkar, well acquainted with the 

 locality, form the van ; Sultana and a bearer accom- 

 pany me. 



Strong with hope, but very slowly, we begin our 

 climb over the rocks. We can all feel our bones, for 

 it had been a hard day's work already. 



A cold drizzle was falling, and now and then snow- 

 flakes floated through the air. 



Up and down, slowly and with difficulty, but al- 

 ways onwards, our journey continues. But our goal 

 is still far away. 



A deathly stillness reigns in the mountains. 



" What was that ? " 



A sudden deafening roar makes the air tremble, 

 splits my ear. 



Has one of the leading shikaris fallen down a 

 precipice ? 



Sultana and the bearer stand still and listen. 



148 



