88 BEASTS AND MEN 
Before many days were passed the first incident occurred, 
namely, the escape of the camels, owing to the carelessness 
of the attendants; and it was only with great trouble that 
their recapture could be effected. The attendants turned 
out to be a bad set; for after a few weeks Grieger noticed 
that they were becoming discontented. At last a deputation 
approached him and announced the intention of the entire 
company to throw up the work and abandon the caravan, 
saying that the way was too long, the journey too difficult, 
A herd of yaks. 
and making many other similar excuses. The money, paid 
them in advance, they would as conscientious men return. 
In vain did the traveller use all the arts of persuasion to in- 
duce the people to remain. In vain did he point out to them 
that the caravan would be totally lost if they were to desert 
him at this moment. At last the leaders of the mutiny pro- 
fessed themselves ready to remain, if a rise in salary were 
granted them. As soon as Grieger discovered that the whole 
affair was merely a vulgar attempt at extortion, he changed 
his tactics. Seizing his Kirghise whip, he promptly proceeded 
to distribute the augmentation of salary asked for, but in 
