510 Journal of a trip to Sikim, [May, 



new moon, (a fortnight,) and will write to ask me to meet him next cold 

 weather. In the morning I heard that he was at the ghat waiting 

 for me. 



We shall see how it is to be arranged. Meantime as before, I 

 believe nothing I hear regarding his movements or intentions. 



Bangsong, 15th. — The Dewan and the Lassoo Kaji arranged with me, 

 last night, that I should remain here for two days, in the course of 

 which I should know exactly what the Raja was about. They know 

 well enough, but will not say ; and the Dewan' s system of secrecy is 

 so complete, that it is in vain to try among his people for correct 

 information on the subject. I require a day's rest, and so do the coolies* 

 who have been with me to Tukbrum ; I also hear that Hooker has 

 penetrated into Sikim, on his return from Walloongchong, and is 

 making for me here. I should like exceedingly to have him here at all 

 events, and if the Raja comes, it will be more of Sikim for him to see 

 than he will again have any chance of. I am not obliged to be back 

 to relieve Mr. Kemp, who is so kindly carrying on my office for me, 

 till 25th, so that I shall wait with pleasure for the time specified. It 

 rains to-day, and threatens a continuance, I fear, but as I have 40 

 Lepchas with me, we soon housed all our party. The plaintain leaf* 

 fresh, is an excellent thatch, and it is very abundant here ; so is the Oopi 

 palm, which the ponies prefer to the bamboo, or any other leaf I think . 

 At noon the Dewan called, and as I half expected, he came out stronger 

 in the hospitable line than he did yesterday. He presented me on 

 behalf of the Raja with a yak, two Thibet sheep, two loads of rice, 

 two quarters of mutton sun-dried in Thibet, some Lassa Macaroni, 

 milk, yams, a piece of yellow China satin, and a pair of Tartar boots, 

 drab lined with pale blue. I gave his people, who brought the largess, 

 20 Rs. When he left me he said that the Raja was on his way here, 

 and he actually went across the river to prepare shedding for his royal 

 master. If this be true he must have known of it last night when he 

 told me that all sorts of things would prevent the Raja from coming. 

 First, there was the religious exercises. 2nd. His extreme old age, (he 

 is 70.) 3rd. The road to this ghat is not fit for Doolie travelling. 4th. 

 The time for preparation was so short. 5th. The Lassa people might 

 be jealous, and alarmed at his coming to meet me, and prevent his 

 going to Teshoo Loomboo next year. 6th. When he met Colonel 



