RETURN JOURNEY. 147 
that the Kirghiz had taken this money, at once 
ordered them to return it ; and a deputation came 
privately to our tents, and informed us of this order, 
but suggested that after coming in a body and 
returning the money, two of their number should go 
on with us for a march or two after Eosi Beg returned, 
and then have the money restored. This plan was 
adopted, and very soon all the Kirghiz came in a body 
to our tents, and in presence of Eosi Beg, with a great 
deal of palaver, returned the money. One old fellow, 
who spoke Persian, made a long speech. He said 
that it was impossible for them to take money from 
the guests of the King, &c., &c., &c., and therefore 
begged us to take back the money. Whilst making 
this speech, and with great solemnity placing the 
lump of silver at Mr. Forsyth's feet, he could hardly 
keep his gravity ; and I suspect that Eosi Beg must 
have seen from the grimaces of the Kirghiz, that the 
whole thing was a hoax. 
• On arrival at Shahidulla we found Mallik Kutub- 
ud-Din with supplies and horses to take us to Laddk. 
I should here mention that the moment Mr. Forsyth 
ascertained with certainty that the king was absent, 
he sent a letter to Kutub-ud-Dm, who had been left 
at Lak Zung, and directed him at once to return to 
Ladak, and arrange for our return within twenty-five 
days from the date we moved from Kitchik Yilak to- 
wards Yarkand. This duty Kutub-ud-Dm performed 
so well, that as we came into camp a few miles 
north of Shdhidulla, Kutub-ud-Dm and his party met 
us with horses and all necessary supplies. We found 
the Tograsu and Karakdsh rivers very much reduced 
in size, and very easily fordable. A few miles above 
L 2 
