290 THE SECOND HIMALAYAN JOUENEY 
The journey produced wonderful results, but ended in 
a very unpleasant adventure. In the latter part of it, Dr. 
Campbell joined Hooker, and on their return both were seized 
and held as hostages for nearly two months while the Dewan 
tried to extort better terms in the treaty between Sikkim and 
India. The party had set out on May 3 for a three months' 
trip, but it was six months before the explorations were com- 
pleted, and eight before the travellers returned to Darjiling 
on Christmas Day, 1849. 
Hooker, travelling alone, would certainly not have been 
thus molested ; but the chance of seizing the Political Agent 
was irresistible to the crafty Oriental, one of whose chief 
henchmen, moreover, had a personal score to settle with the 
Kesident, who had caused him to be punished for the abduction 
of two Brahmin girls from Nepaul. For Hooker at first was 
reserved merely passive obstruction, triumphantly overcome by 
good-humour and patience, and the exhibition of the Eajah's 
formal permit and promise of assistance on the way to the 
snow}' passes. The latter he was careful to obtain, despite the 
renewed shuffling of the Dewan, which would have left him 
with the poor alternative of a second visit to Jongri. 
As there are many rapid rivers to be crossed, and I 
must have relays of food, I cannot well venture without 
his permission. Though he cannot stop me, he may detain 
my coolies, and to remove the bridges is only the matter 
of ten mi7iutes. Lord Dalhousie has again proffered his 
best services, and I write to him on the subject without 
hesitation. 
Accordingly Campbell wrote a third letter to the Eajah, giving 
him ten days in which to make up his mind, and send formal 
permission and a guide. 
This was effectual. By May 2 permission had come to 
visit the Lachen and Lachoong passes, and a guide, the same 
Meepo who had served on the former expedition, was to meet 
him a few marches ahead. It was a disappointment that, 
owing to a stringent order from the Court of Directors as to 
leave, Lord Dalhousie, however willing, was unable to grant 
