Among the Celestials : vol.1 / Page 241 (Color Image)

0241	Among the Celestials : vol.1

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CHAP. VIII.] TO THE MUSTAGH PASS. 201

With the aid of a committee of some of

these, my preparations for the attack of the

Mustagh Pass progressed most favourably.

The services of a first-rate guide were secured ;

his name was Wali, and he was a native of

Askole, the nearest village on the Kashmir

side of the pass. It was many years since he

had come to Yarkand by the route, but he

undertook to say he had not forgotten it, and

could guide me by it all right. Besides him,

three other Baltis were enlisted to carry loads,

if it should be found impossible to take ponies

over the pass. Thirteen ponies were bought,

and four Ladakis engaged to look after them.

Among these Ladakis was a man named

Mohamed Esa (formerly Drogpa), who had

accompanied Messrs. Carey and Dalgleish to

Tibet, and whom Colonel Bell had sent back

charge of the caravan, and made responsible

for its efficiency. Three complete sets of shoes

for each pony were taken, and new pack-saddles

and blankets. All the men were thoroughly

well equipped with heavy sheepskin coats, fur

caps, and new footgear. Orders were sent on

to Kugiar, the last principal village on the

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