ASAM AND THE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES. 363 



as it was, I felt confidence only in one point, which was, that in a case 

 of emergency, I should stand the best chance of being deserted by my 

 Khamli followers. 



I took one Hindustani to prepare my food, and one Burman to supply 

 his place in case of his inability to proceed with me. One of the Chinese, 

 whom I have before mentioned as taken prisoner at Rangpur, was readily 

 induced to accompany me, by the prospect of reaching Yunan from that 

 part of Thibet which we expected to enter, where, as I had already ascer- 

 tained, some of his countrymen are always to be found. 



The JLuri Gohain had left his village, at the foot of the hills, to the 

 care of some of his people, and had resided with us at Sadiya, from the 

 commencement of the rainy season. He now accompanied me, and to his 

 arrangement and good management I looked for success, as he had more 

 communication with the 31ishm>s, and possessed more influence with them 

 than any of his brethren. A fine young Asamese noble had often 

 expressed his wish to take advantage of my escort to pay a visit to the 

 holy Brahmakund, and he had induced the good old Bor Gohain to con- 

 sent also to join us. They, with their Brahmun* who was to officiate at 

 the pvja, for the proper performance of which the Puranas had been 

 consulted, and with their followers considerably augmented my party, and 

 afforded much entertainment by the difficulties into which they were 

 thrown on the journey, (particularly when they encountered leeches in the 

 jungles,) and the wonder they exhibited at the novelties of the rapids. 

 The scenery improved greatly as we advanced eastward, and received the 

 happiest effect from the delightful clearness of the atmosphere, and the 



* I strongly suspect that Captain Bedford was mistaken in supposing that the Mishmi Chiefs 

 near the Kund, have any thing more to say or do with the ceremony, than taking possession of the 

 offerings. 



