SERIOUS OUTLOOK. 43
ling. Our usual drink was tea, but on one evening (and only one) we had recourse to hot toddy, the chief ingredient in which was rum.
We knew our latitude and longitude, and could point out on the map the spot occupied by our camp, but at that place the map was a blank, and none of the men had any knowledge of our whereabouts. The important cluestion to be decided was whether we should retrace our steps, or move onwards through the unknown land. We carefully examined the remaining transport animals, and came to the conclusion that few or none of them would be able to carry loads as far as Fobrang. If we pushed on, what direction should we take, or where was there a practicable route ? The country was mountainous and difficult, and even in the valleys water and grass were not always to be found. Our general purpose was to proceed eastwards, but after full consideration we decided to go towards the south-east and, where that course was impossible, to turn to the south rather than to the east. On August 21st we resumed our journey. During the night heavy rain and then snow had fallen, and in the morning the tents were frozen into such an unmanageable condition that we had to postpone our departure till afternoon when they were fairly dry.
We climbed the inevitable pass, and found on the other side a well-marked track leading down an easy slope into a narrow valley. We had been compelled to leave behind us several loads, and, therefore, sending back for these, we camped at the first spot where we found water (Camp 33) . There we overhauled our luggage for the second time with a view to its diminution. There were tinned foods (mostly products of the Bovril Company), superfluous horse-shoes, nails, &c., and two tents which had to be got rid of. The caravan men were told they might take such of these things as they chose, but must eat promptly
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