Page:My Climbs in the Alps and Caucasus (1908).djvu/36

30 coolies to fetch and carry, shikari and deputy to fit up subsidiary camps, carry one's coat when it is too hot to wear it, &c., &c.

We also have four goats, two cows, a flock of sheep for mutton, dried apricots for stews. Rhubarb grows wild, and is very good cooked. Apples and pomegranates are to arrive to-morrow.

The Ghurkas act as valets whilst in camp. We expect to make our serious attack on Nanga next week (seven days from now); it will require four days, and after that we shall spend a week here, as there is another little peak, 22,000 ft. odd, we want to run in.

Possibly we shall do it first, as it is quite easy, and we still want more training.

The air is the very deuce.

The Government have put on a post wallah, and we get letters, &c., and the Deputy Resident of Gilgit, who is at Astor, keeps in touch with us and gives us news.

If we go back through Kaghan the authorities will give us an escort, as a part of the route is a little unsettled, by the Babusar Pass.

Probably, however, we shall make Srinagar.

Bruce leaves to-morrow, and I shall get him to wire you that we have postponed our attack, as it is evident we shall not get the ascent through so soon as I expected.

Very likely we may want another month's training.