140 SPORT AND TRAVEL 



and completely shut off from the outside world by 

 the dense foliage of the trees, was a little round 

 cleared space, where, apparently, all the villagers 

 were gathered in a circle, five or six deep, and with 

 shouting, clapping, and the usual discordant Balti 

 music, were beating time for six men dancing in the 

 centre. These, with waving riding-whips, singing 

 and laughing, careered madly around in the space 

 cleared for them. I soon discovered from the Rajah 

 of the district, who lives here, that they were the 

 victorious team of the afternoon's polo match, cele- 

 brating their victory ; and not only had the men 

 turned out to cheer them, but the housetops near 

 by were crowded with women and children, all show- 

 ing their enthusiasm in the most vociferous manner. 

 Indeed, it was not unlike a college football triumph 

 at home, and away out here in the heart of Asia it 

 seemed most strange and picturesque. 



As we dismounted, there was at once a respect- 

 ful silence, and the Rajah, coming out of the circle 

 and salaaming, led us under a tree, where a shawl 

 and chair were at once brought. He then offered us 

 cigarettes, which we felt out of courtesy bound to 

 accept, though they were exceedingly vile, and or- 

 dered the festivities to proceed. After the main dance 

 was finished, each of the players danced alone, re- 

 tiring in turn as he finished and salaaming to us. 



