Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 1.djvu/186

Rh Again, when, in consequence of the unsatisfactory state of affairs on the north-east frontier of Bengal, it was determined to send an embassy to Bootan, the Government of Bengal, relying on the integrity and honesty of purpose of the Lama, secured his services as interpreter, in which capacity he accompanied the Hon. Ashley Eden throughout the whole of the laborious journey from Darjeeling to Punakha. The Lama worked energetically on behalf of the mission, both in supplying porters for the advance, interpreting for their wants, and exposing the duplicity and treachery of the Booteah officials. The Booteah Government were most desirous to prevent the return of the Lama to Sikhim, wishing to retain him in their power. This point the envoy successfully combated.

It may be said of Cheboo, that he was one of the few natives in Hindoostan who gave the British Government credit for integrity and impartiality in their government of that vast dependency; and it is much to be regretted that his death last winter prevented his becoming aware that he had been selected for the honour of the Companionship of the Star of India, he being the only native of Tibet who has hitherto been considered worthy of such a distinction.