492 FROM THE KUN-LUN TO LONDON CH. XCVII
on the origin, date, etc., of the finds, as observed by me on the spot, had been thoroughly sifted and placed at their disposal.
So with all these tasks and responsibilities before me, I had reason to feel grateful when the Government of India's generous proposal to allow me a period of two years and three months' ` deputation ' in England for this purpose received the Secretary of State's sanction. Thanks to this consideration, my labours could proceed steadily both at the British Museum and at Oxford, where the kind hospitality of the Warden and Fellows of Merton College offered to me as peaceful a retreat for work as I could wish for in this ancient home of learning. I was thus assured of the chance of accomplishing what the results of this journey had imposed upon me as a duty to science. But when may I hope that the gate will open for work in those fields to which cherished plans have been calling me ever since my youth, and which still remain unexplored ?
IIIF Color HighRes
