192 RY0TT VALLEY. Chap. XXV. 



Phadong* goompa gleamed through the trees. At a con- 

 siderable distance across the head of the valley was still a 

 third goompa, that of Phenzong. 



We were met by a large party of armed Lepchas, dressed 

 in blue and white striped kirtles, broad loose scarlet jackets, 

 and the little bamboo wattle hat lined with talc, and sur- 

 mounted by a peacock's feather ; they escorted us to the 

 village, and then retired. 



We encamped a few hundred feet below the Rajah's 

 house, and close by those of Meepo and the Tchebu 

 Lama's family, who are among the oldest and most 

 respectable of Tibetan origin in Sikkim. The population 

 on this, the north side of the Ryott, consists principally of 

 Sikkim Bhoteeas and Tibetans, while the opposite is 

 peopled by Lepchas. Crowds came to see us, and many 

 brought presents, with which we were overwhelmed ; but 

 we could not help remarking that our cordial greetings 

 were wholly from the older families attached to the Rajah, 

 and from the Lamas ; none proceeded from the Dewan's 

 relatives or friends, nor therefore any in the name of the 

 Rajah himself, or of the Sikkim government. 



Tchebu Lama vainly used every endeavour to procure 

 for us an audience with his highness ; who was sur- 

 rounded by his councillors, or Amlah, all of whom were 

 adherents of the Dewan, who was in Tibet. My man 

 Meepo, and the Tchebu Lama, who were ordered to 

 continue in official attendance upon us, shrugged their 

 shoulders, but could suggest no remedy. On the following 

 morning Campbell was visited by many parties, amongst 

 whom were the Lama's family, and that of the late Dewan 

 (Ham Sing), who implored us to send again to announce 



k Phadong means Royal, and this temple answers to a chapel royal for the 

 Rajah. 



