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"They say they cannot. The Tarjum will cut their heads off if he comes to know it. They will only sell one or two yaks." "Very good. How much do they want?" "Two hundred silver rupees. But," added Dola, "sir, do not give them more than forty. That is a great deal more than they are worth. A good yak costs from ten to sixteen rupees."
He went steadily, moreover, as if he might have business rather than pleasure on his hands, and he did not pull in his pony until he had reached the front of the Paez mansion. There was no one on the piazza but a short, fat old woman, in a blazing red cotton gown, who sprang to her feet almost as if he had frightened her, exclaiming: "Señor Carfora!" "Dola!" he responded, sharply.
At night Zeniram succeeded in decoying the soldiers who were guarding us into his tent, and gave them chökti to drink until they became intoxicated. One by one we four succeeded in escaping with our loads. For three nights we marched steadily back, hiding during the day. Now we have returned to you, sir." Dola paused for a minute or two.
When everything was ready the five Shokas, including Kachi and Dola, left me, swearing by the sun and all that they held most sacred that they would in no way betray me to the Tibetans. Bijesing the Johari and Nattoo agreed to accompany me as far as the Maium Pass, so that my party, including myself, now was reduced to only five men.
"No sooner did we appear at Taklakot," sobbed Dola, "than we were pounced upon, knocked about, and arrested. They cross-examined us closely. We professed to be Johari traders who had run short of food, and had made for Taklakot to buy provisions. We were then allowed to remain in his tent, guarded by Tibetan soldiers. We secretly purchased from him and packed the provisions.
"Don't say another loud word! Are either of the señoras at home? I must see them right away." "Oh, yes!" she said, turning to run into the house. "I will tell them. They are in the parlor, and the señorita." Down sprang Ned and hitched his pony to a post, but then he hurried through the front door as quickly as Dola herself had done.
They one and all were crying, each man hiding his face in his hands. Kachi had tears streaming down his cheeks, Dola was sobbing, while the brigand and the other Tibetan in my employ, who had for the occasion assumed a disguise, were hiding behind their loads. Serious though the situation was, I could not help laughing at the fright of my men. We pitched our tents.
We could not even then discern in the dim light whether they were our messengers or not. "Kuan hai?" "Dola!" replied a voice. We gave them a joyful and hearty greeting, but our happiness was not to last long. The men did not respond. They seemed quite exhausted and terrified. I asked them to explain the cause of their distress. Sobbing and embracing my feet, they at first declined to tell me.
Faithful Chanden Sing and the Shoka Dola were then despatched to his rescue. After another hour of anxiety the two returned, bringing the unfortunate coolie with them. The poor fellow's hands and feet were badly cut. The pain in the latter was so great that he could no more stand erect.
Ibar then selected a place of residence in Grian, in Aradha-Cliach. Dola opposed him. This was fulfilled. No successors of his occupied the place there since, but they are enslaved by Muscraighe-Mittine. "Menraighe" they are called. As Patrick was leaving this place, the women of Grian came to bewail his departure from them.
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