AMONG THE AFFGHANS. 241 



authorities. The only difficulty was that of crossing 

 our guard, and the body of mules carrying several 

 days' rations, over the river. The chiefs affirmed 

 that there was not the slightest necessity for their 

 presence with us, as their adherents would hold the 

 passes ahead. 



After some deliberation we agreed to the proposal, 

 and sending off the escort to Dakka, we started via 

 Shinilo for Michni, having only the Khan's men, and 

 three or four of our own attendants carrying the sur- 

 vey instruments, with us. In due time we reached 

 the river-bank ; and then, for the first time, were 

 informed that there was no boat ready, as the last 

 one had been destroyed by a flood, and a new one 

 was not finished. Nor had any other arrangement 

 for our crossing been made. However, just then 

 some descried a small raft coming down-stream, and 

 after a long talk we secured it for the passage. It 

 could only hold three men besides the crew, so the 

 two of us, and one man carrying the Khan's arms, got 

 in it. The Khan and four or five of his men stripped 

 and threw themselves on shinaz into the water, and 

 we were soon ferried across. Luckily, we had taken 

 our rifle and the plane-table with us. A\ r e now sent 

 the raft back for our attendants ; but the raftsmen, 

 as soon as they were across, said that it was impossible 

 to recross against the strong current, and immediately 

 broke up the raft. So our attendants had to go back, 

 and we were thus left with the young Khan and six 



