202 A Sportswoman in India 



adventures from time to time, is a complete change 

 for an ordinary English girl ; and it is very easy to 

 find every scope for developing self-control and energy 

 in many a " tight corner " if such occasions are sought 

 for. Englishmen are supposed to possess an insatiable 

 desire for slaying something ; a healthily minded woman 

 has invariably a craving to do something. She is 

 fortunate if she satisfies it. 



Vain dreams, again and again retold, 



Must you crowd on the weary brain, 

 Till the fingers are cold that entwin'd of old 



Round staff and trigger and rein, 

 Till stayed for aye are the roving feet, 



Till the restless hands are quiet, 

 Till the stubborn heart has forgotten to beat, 



Till the hot blood has ceased to riot ? 



Srinagar and our marches through the valleys, though 

 charming, were welcomely exchanged for a more 

 adventurous month, upon which we could look back 

 afterwards, and feel that we had put in a chapter of 

 stirring life, and had played the game a little. 



We slept one night at Soper. Who does not know 

 the thrill of feeling with which one starts upon the 

 unknown, those great expectations which are half the 

 battle ? The day called us about five a beautiful 

 morning it was, a westerly wind still blowing strong, 

 but the clouds all blown away to China. 



Our line of coolies, stooping under the burden 

 of the tents and kilters, was at last under way ; and 

 piloted by Lalla, S. and I followed, with a small 



