“No; then it would be said that we were in the same boat, and that I had allowed myself to be bribed.”
“You are a fine governor, Hlaje Tsering; you cannot even sell me a couple of horses. I shall consequently have to send my men on foot, and they will take twice as long.”
“Well, I will sleep on it, and let you know my decision in the morning.”
Rub Das and Tundup Galzan received their instructions in the evening. They were to take a letter to Major O’Connor in Gyangtse, and a sum of money was given them, which was sewed up in their girdles for safe keeping. They were to start on their adventurous journey the following evening as soon as it became dark.
CHAPTER XX
ONWARDS THROUGH THE FORBIDDEN LAND
January 13. Again this ominous number, which is regarded by so many people as unlucky, and is surrounded by a cloud of superstition! Would the 13th be unfortunate for us also?