Pec. 1840. 



ALARM OF THE DEWAN. 



235 



that the Bliotan inhabitants of Dorjiling headed by my 

 bold Sirdar Nimbo, had arranged a night attack for our 

 release ; an enterprise to which they were quite equal, and 

 in which they have had plenty of practice in their own 

 misgoverned country. Watch-fires gleamed amongst the 

 bushes, we were thrust into a doubly-guarded house, and 



LEPCHA SEPOYS. TIBETAN SEPOYS IN THE BACK-GROUND. 



(See p. 160.) 



bows and arrows were ostentatiously levelled so as to rake 

 the doorway, should we attempt to escape. Some of the 

 ponies were sent back to Dikkeeling, though the Dewan 

 still clung to his merchandise and the feeble hope of traffic. 

 The confusion increased daily, but though Tchebu Lama 

 looked brisk and confident, we were extremely anxious ; 



