The Indian Alps and how we crossed them; being a narrative of two years' residence in the eastern Himalaya and two months' tour into the interior

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876 Excerpt: ...returning to our 'watershed,' or whatever it might be, on which our tent was situated, we found the rain had quite ceased, and a solitary tearful little star was doing its best to shine above a long line of black cloud. Away in the western horizon the sky was comparatively clear, giving some hope of a better state of things on the morrow; and on entering our little ark, we also found that the waters there had abated considerably. The rain having ceased during our absence, the dhurrie had been laid down over the floor, and there was a manifest improvement in affairs generally. The kettle too--which always seems to be in good spirits--was singing its very heart out on the bright little stove, as if to say there was plenty of comfort yet in life, and we might as well cheer up and make the best of everything as it did. The first thing I determined on doing was to wash those portions of my travelling dress which had become soiled by my fall. I had insisted on Fanchyng's changing her clothes and going straight to her lair on arrival, telling her I would dispense with her services for the night; so tucking up my sleeves, I buckled to valiantly, as if to the manner born; and we should no doubt have made an interesting picture, had an artist been here to paint us.--Materia--picturesque contents of the tent itself: stove at other end; vulgar kettle sending forth its steam; F just composing himself in the arms of MorpheUs; my scarlet dress and mocassins hanging on a line to dry; various baggage baskets of all sorts and sizes in the corner; lantern suspended from tentpole; and--yes! why not?--myself also, by this time surrounded by a cloud of steam, scrubbing away vigorously in a large brass 'chilumchee,'or basin. Subject--'An Interior.' My hat was spoiled beyond all r...