Page:My Climbs in the Alps and Caucasus (1908).djvu/30

24 man at 2os. a month, there is no object in going short.

We had two rival merchants on board, and we can get anything from Bass's beer to Huntley & Palmer's biscuits, from tinned meat to English flour, sent anywhere.

One of these merchants insists on giving me an order on a man at Astor, and another at Skardu, to supply me with unlimited rupees, fresh vegetables, and fruit, and anything else I might want, payment to be ultimately made by me when I get back.

Every one is going far out of his way to help us; and as for climbing difficulties, there are no serious ones to encounter, and though the rarity of the air may bother us, it can't hurt us in any way.

I rather expect we shall do about three weeks' walking and exploring after we get to Astor, as we may fairly expect better weather in August.

Now it is distinctly better than average Swiss weather, but not so good as I expect to have it for Nanga.

We have just got to the foot of our peak. The journey has been long, but very luxurious, and we have had all our tents and luggage carried up here. With porters at 4d. a day it is not necessary to limit one's baggage.