44 IN TIBET AND CHINESE TURKESTAN.
whatever eatables they took, and carry on their persons whatever not eatable they wished. Things not disposed of in this way (mostly tinned foods) were packed in superfluous yak dans and deposited in a cache dug on a dry site within an old sheep-pen, about 350 yards south by west from Camp 33. They were piled in a square heap and covered with a thick roof of earth and stones, which might serve for a protection against wild animals and possibly also for a landmark to other travellers. The two tents were given to the caravan men. At Leh these men had received an allowance for the purchase of clothes for the journey, but in most cases the money had been spent for other purposes. Ladaki caravan men have strong confidence in Kismet, or fate, and in the sahib whom they serve, expecting him at all times and in all circumstances to provide them with food and raiment. In Tibet warm clothing is absolutely necessary, and the men who, before starting, had, in reply to my inquiries, said they were " well provided," or " no matter," now eagerly scrambled for the tent canvas to mend their dilapidated garments.
Resuming our march, we followed the continuation of the track which we had found in descending from the pass, and hoped that it would lead to some native encampment. This hope was disappointed, for, after a few miles, the track became invisible. Further search revealed many smaller tracks, running in different directions and indicating, apparently, not the path of human beings, but of kyang. We saw abundance of excellent grass, but no water except that of a lake which, lying out of our route, was more than a day's march distant, and, for all we knew, might be salt or otherwise undrinkable. After having failed to obtain water by digging, I walked to the top of a low ridge about a mile distant, and saw a pool not far off.. Before it was quite dark the caravan was
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