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342 ADVENTURES IN TIBET.
suits of clothing each, for we were certain very soon to
be wet through. We used the smallest and lightest tent
to live in, and the Lama made out of white felt a very
decent cloak to be worn whilst keeping watch at night.
I carried my watch, compass, aneroid and thermometer
in specially-made inside pockets, which only a very close
and, indeed, an impertinent examination could have
discovered. Everything that bore the stamp of European
origin was hidden under the provisions in one of the boxes,
and most of them were of such a character that they could
very readily have been sunk in a river or lake in case our
position grew desperate.
I appointed Sirkin chief of the camp I was leaving behind,
and straightly enjoined everybody to render to him the
same obedience that they rendered to me, and impressed
upon each and all that they should do their duty. Turdu
Bai, however, being a sort of expert, was to have the right
to propose a removal to other grazing grounds when the
grass at Camp XLIV. was all consumed. But every time
they moved they were to leave in a heap of stones at Camp
XLIV. a document, written by Sirkin in Russian, telling
us where we should find them when we returned. Then
I took Sirkin aside, and made him understand the full
gravity of the adventure I was embarking upon. He
hstened in silence, shaking his head. "If we are not
back within seventy-five days," I said. " you may look
upon us as lost. You must then lead the caravan back
to Charkhlik, and from Charkhhk on to Kashgar." I
did not for one moment think that the Tibetans would
take our lives, but it was of course necessary to be
prepared for the worst. In any case, I wished my maps
and notebooks to reach home in safety. Finally I locked
all my cases and boxes, but gave Sirkin the key of the box
containing the silver, so that in case of need he might at
Charkhlik equip a fresh caravan for the return to Kashgar.
J
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