Meanwhile two of the waterproof bags, when taken
out and opened, were found to contain flour and rice
in excellent condition. The flour was mixed with
water and made into a paste, of which all partook,
for we had had nothing but meat for forty-eight
hours.
Our thoughts now turned to Hargreaves, who was
supposed to be encamped about ten miles away, on the
southern shore of Yeshil Kul. Six of the strongest
ponies were saddled and sent, with three men, to his
relief. As soon as this party had gone, we further
examined our treasure trove, and quickly discovered
other precious stores. What we valued perhaps more
than anything else were two boxes of horse and pony
shoes and a plentiful supply of nails ; they were much
rusted, certainly, but were worth to us more than their
weight in gold. Closely packed between the sacks
were sealed cases of ‘303 cartridges, of which a goodly
number were appropriated.
The yakdans were streaming wet and padlocked,
but the staples, eaten through with rust, gave way at
the least pressure. The contents, though mouldy and
wet, proved to be a carefully packed collection of those
various odds and ends which add so much to the comfort
of the traveller.
CHAPTER X
REJOINING HARGREAVES
R e l iev ed in mind and refreshed in body, we turned in
early to rest that evening. The night was still and
cold, but as we had been steadily descending since
leaving Antelope Plain, it was found not at all unpleasant
to sleep without tents in the open air.
About three o’clock in the afternoon of the next
day — July 14th — Hargreaves’ caravan was seen
approaching. In front walked Hargreaves himself,
leading his pony; following him were ten ponies,
slowly dragging themselves along; only the six animals
which we had despatched the day before were carrying
loads; the others—the sole survivors of those left at
Arport Tso—were too weak to support anything but
their saddles. Indeed, they were so emaciated and
feeble that only with the greatest difficulty could
they reach our camp.
All was now bustle and excitement. Everybody
began to talk at once, each asking questions of the
other and no one waiting for an answer; presently
the pleased and happy men divided into little groups,
each hobnobbing with his particular chum.
Hargreaves looked worn and considerably thinner
than when we had parted at Arport Tso, which was
scarcely to be wondered at considering all the worries
he had gone through. I cannot do better than give
his story in his own words.