In fact it is at this moment particularly desirable that you should throw your influence on the side of the native observances." "Indeed," said Shere Ali, as he rode along the Mall by the Commissioner's side.

"Then why was I sent to Oxford ?" The Commissioner was not surprised by the question, though it was abruptly put.
"Surely that is a question to ask of his Highness, your father," he replied.

"No doubt all you learnt and saw there will be extremely valuable.

What I am saying now is that the Government wishes to give no pretext whatever to those who would disturb Chiltistan, and it looks to you with every confidence for help and support." "And the road ?" asked Shere Ali.
"It is not proposed to carry on the road.

The merchants in Kohara think that by bringing more trade, their profits would become less, while the country people look upon it as a deliberate attack upon their independence.