174 
BOOTAN. 
which, for want of oil and cotton, was made of twisted calico and' 
butter. 
Next to a promptitude at expedients, patience is perhaps the most 
desirable qualification a traveller can possess, to enable him to bear 
philosophically, the variety of inconveniences that must inevitably 
chequer a long journey through unfrequented regions. Fortunately for 
us both, the companion of my travels, as well as myself, enjoyed an 
eminent portion of this invaluable property, nor were frequent occa¬ 
sions wanting for its exercise. 
It was near eight o’clock, and the arrival of our baggage was con¬ 
sidered to be extremely doubtful. We held repeated consultations on 
this subject with our conductor, and the master of the house, who oblig¬ 
ingly dispatched emissaries, that found some of the people resting 
themselves not far off, having set down their burdens for the night. 
These were brought on, but others who had halted at a greater distance 
remained, of course, where they were; for it grew late, and a most 
profound darkness soon put an end to all our doubts. Knowing the 
gross superstitions which haunt the minds of these mountaineers, who 
fancy that, on the approach of night, all sorts of hobgoblins are let 
loose, and that nothing good or honest will be abroad, it was vain to 
express any further anxiety for our baggage, or hope any longer for 
its arrival. So of necessity we submitted with composure to our lot: 
$ 
and though our beds were wanting, yet, for my part, as refreshing 
and sound a sleep visited me on a saddle cloth, with a saddle for my 
pillow, as any in which a weary traveller ever forgot his fatigue, and 
lulled his cares to rest. 
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