And now the music of our own quick steps
With many a short-lived thought that passed between
And disappeared.”
And now but one day more remains of our six months’ leave. The 31st of October sees us again fairly in the hands of the authorities. Brothers in arms, who during our absence have been [[301]]having “all work and no play,” receive us with warm and disinterested welcome. The Q.M.G. is hauled away in triumph by a swarm of fellow black-legs to glad the squaw-like partner of his sooty bosom. The last remnants of the expedition are fairly broken up, and already the days when we went gipsying have passed away “a long time ago.” [[302]]
[1] The value which a Kashmirian sets upon his Kangrí may be known by the following distich:—
“Oh Kangrí! Oh Kangrí!
You are the gift of Houris and Fairies;
When I take you under my arm
You drive away fear from my heart.”