The men were woodcutters when they were not farmers--meek, and of an incredible simplicity.

But that suitable discourse might not fail, Fate sent them, overtaking and overtaken upon the road, the courteous Dacca physician, who paid for his food in ointments good for goitre and counsels that restore peace between men and women.

He seemed to know these hills as well as he knew the hill dialects, and gave the lama the lie of the land towards Ladakh and Tibet.

He said they could return to the Plains at any moment.

Meantime, for such as loved mountains, yonder road might amuse.