KUTCH MAHOMED BEG. 75 



ba, then forded the Tashkurgan river, and went 

 due west until we entered a valley which led 

 down from the Karachunkar Pass. 



We were now in what may be called the 

 extreme westerly corner of Chinese territory, the 

 range on the west dividing us from Wakhan. 

 About three miles up this valley we came to 

 the tent of the Beg of the district, a Kirghiz, 

 Kutch Mahomed, who is stationed here as a sort 

 of agent between the Kunjuts and the Chinese; 

 and it was to him we were to apply for shikaris 

 and guides to show us sport in the neighbourhood. 



Dauvergne had already arrived, and told us 

 that, after shooting a few days up the valley, he 

 should cross the Karachunkar Pass ihto Wakhan 

 on his way back to Kashmir via Chitral. 



Kutch Mahomed soon came to pay us a visit, 

 and kindly promised to do all he could for us. 

 He was very anxious we should remain a few 

 days at his yurt, placing all he had at our dis- 

 posal. We assured him we were most grateful 

 for his kind offer, but were keen to get at the 

 poli, and should prefer if he would allow us to 

 pay him a visit on our return. All we asked in 

 the meantime were shikaris to show us the 

 ground. He brought us over a couple of sheep, 



