A HERD OF RAMS. 87 



Now, moving camp in a snowstorm is not a 

 pleasant diversion ; so we determined to walk 

 over and see him, leaving our tents until next day. 

 We found him very busy with his heads and skins, 

 with which he was well satisfied. He intended 

 to start for Chitral in a couple of days, fearing, if 

 he delayed, the passes would be closed by snow. 

 After spending an hour or two with him, we re- 

 turned to our camp. The snow had ceased, but 

 the mist hung thick on the hill. 



We laid our plans overnight. The day broke 

 clear, the air crisp, and, with snow on the 

 ground, it was a grand morning to spot game. 

 I very soon ascended the slope of the steppe, 

 which occurs all round the base of the mountains, 

 and had hardly got one eye over the top when I 

 spotted a herd of poll. They showed up. well on 

 the snow, and with the aid of my glass I counted 

 twenty, all rams. It looked as if I was to get 

 my chance at last, as they were all busy digging 

 through the snow, which lay about 4 inches deep, 

 to get at the grass beneath. 



The edge of the steppe was undulating, and I 

 soon made out a line that should take me within 

 shot ; so, telling my Kirghiz to lie quite still 

 really the only thing these people are good at 



