But not even at the Bogtsang-tsangpo did anything suspicious appear. We calmed down again and rested here on the 6th. Our store of rice and flour was consumed; there was only a little for me, so that I had my freshly-baked bread every morning and evening. The others had to live exclusively on mutton, so that every day one sheep at least was needed. Just as Tundup Sonam and two other men returned from a foray, bringing with them six fat sheep, we saw six men on foot coming to our camp. Our grand vizier, Muhamed Isa, received them before they were brought before me. The principal among them thus introduced himself:
“I am the Gova (District Chief) of this country, and have received tidings from the north that you are on the way southwards. You passed through here five years ago with twenty-five camels. I am now come to inquire your name, how many servants and pack-animals you have, and whither you intend to go.”
“Why do you put these questions?”
“Because I must forward information to the Governor of Naktsang; if I do not, he will cut my head off.”
He was given the particulars he wanted, and then he asked:
“Will the Bombo Chimbo be so kind as to wait here until the answer comes back?”
“Where is the Governor of Naktsang?”
“In Shansa-dzong on the Kyaring-tso.”
“How long will it take a messenger to reach him?”