CHECKING PRE VIO US WORK. 193
abled me to extend -my journey so as to take in the sources of the Khotan River. The river is formed by .the: junction • of two small streams a little to the east of 35° 36' north latitude and 81° B7' east longitude. After two short marches from Aksu, I pitched Camp 114 close beside the right bank of the most northerly of these, and here I carefully and, I believe, accurately determined my position. It was with surprise that I had learned during my first visit to Aksu that the Khotan River was so near. Two hunters had then visited my camp and, when asked whence they had come, had replied that they had been shooting near the sources of the Khotan River, which, they said, were not far. off. At first I doubted the truth . of this 'information, but after considering the matter could -see no reason for disbelief. Raju told me that, having lost his way when going to Polu, he had been set right by two hunters close to the sources of the Khotan River, but I had betrayed no anxiety to visit them, nor could I discover any motive for deception. A few marches lower down, according to our informants, there were gold diggings on the river bank, worked by men from Kiria ; but as I had now only sufficient provisions for the return journey to Polu, I made no attempt to visit the diggings.
In order to accomplish the difficult and delicate task, of carrying the triangulation across the Kwen Lun range to Camp 73, I resolved to remain for a day close to the At To Pass, though at this place, and for miles round it, the country is devoid of vegetation. In anticipation of this day's work I had sent Islam from Aksu toTolu for.forage and fuel, and on reaching the spot was grieved to find that he hacr not arrived. In my anxiety I was early astir next morning, and to my delight saw Islam approaching with a few donkeys laden with wood, chopped straw, and barley, enough for a twenty-four hours' supply for a few
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