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Above, the path runs along the ridge of the precipices facing the south-east, and here we caught a glimpse of the great valley of the Ryott, beyond the Teesta, with Tumloong, the Rajah's residence, on its north flank, and the superb snowy peak of Chola at its head.
South of this, the valley of the Tunkrachoo opens, backed by sharp snowed pinnacles, which form the continuation of the Chola range; over which a pass leads to the Phari district of Tibet, which intervenes between Sikkim and Bhotan. Southwards the view is bounded by snowy mountains, and the valley seems blocked up by the remarkable moraine-like spur which I passed above Keadom.
On the following morning they met us as we were departing for Chola pass, bringing large presents in the name of the Rajah, and excuses on their and his part for having paid us no respect at Tumloong, saying, that it was not the custom to receive strangers till after they had rested a day, that they were busy preparing a suitable reception, etc.; this was all false, and contrary to etiquette, but there was no use in telling them so.
We left Barfonchen on the 7th November, and ascended the river, near which we put up a woodcock. At 13,000 feet the ground was covered with ice, and all the streams were frozen. Crossing several rocky ledges, behind which were small lakes, a gradual ascent led to the summit of the Chola pass, a broad low depression, 14,925 feet above the sea, wholly bare of snow.
In one row are those traders who sell parched and popped corn; in another those who deal in sandals and shoes, the simple gear of the humblest wayfarer and the elaborately decorated high-laced boots affected by the wealthy Chola women of La Paz.
"Wait a minute. I'm goin' to dig round like I was goin' to take a sleep and find these here eggs. Then I'm goin' to count 'em nacheral, and pile 'em handy to you. Then we rig up a deal like we was gamblin' for 'em, to kind of pass the time. If that don't git them two coyotes interested, why, nothin' will. Next to gamblin' a Chola likes to watch gamblin' better 'n 'most anything.
Say, Brand, you ain't got rid of so much English talk at once since I been here. You ought to talk more. You keep too quiet. Talking sociable will help to take the wrinkles out of your neck." "You talk so much you'll never live to get any." "Say, Brand." "Uhuh." "Will you lend me the Chola spurs and that swell quirt old Miguel plaited for you, and your Mexican bridle, just for to-morrow?"
Mebby that ought to make me feel good, but it don't. Supposin' a fella was goin' to get married?" "Then he'd better wait," said Corliss, smiling at his foreman. Corliss stood up and yawned. "Oh, say, Sun, where'd you get that beef?" he asked casually. "The beef? Why, a Chola come along here day afore yesterday and say if I wanted some meat. I says yes.
There might be many such in the country. This might have been the property of some Spanish girl or young Chola, for there was no mark on it to distinguish it; but still, as I looked at it, I felt almost confident that it had been my sister's. How it had escaped being burned or trampled on I could not tell.
"What you fell up against?" he asked sternly. "What made you jar yourself loose like that?" "It's horses with me to-day not home-sweet-home, Brand. Bet you a pair of specs and you need 'em to a bag of peanuts that the Chola cayuse runs first." "Your brains is afloat, son. You better cut out the booze." Unexpectedly Collie encountered Louise as he went to look after his own horses.
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