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122 ADVENTURES IN TIBET.
was to solve several geographical problems ; above all, I
was anxious to trace and map the river-bed of the ancient
Kuruk-daria, which was abandoned by the stream more
than 1,000 years ago ; though before that time it used to
empty itself into the Lake of Lop-nor, now likewise dried
up, although well-known from older Chinese maps.
Chernoff was appointed my body-servant ; the rest of
my little troop consisted of Faisullah, Ordek, and Khodai
Kullu, besides Abdu Rehim and his two younger brothers.
The three last, who accompanied us with eight camels, were,
however, to leave us when we reached the spring of Alti-
mish-bulak ; their home lay to the north, amongst the
mountains of the Kuruk-tagh. I took five camels of my
own, all fresh, well rested animals, and my own little grey
desert horse. The only dogs that accompanied us this
time were Yoldash and Mashka, one of the greyhounds.
Meanwhile, the other three Cossacks, together with Islam,
Turdu Bai, and Parpi Bai, and several other servants
whom I had engaged, were commissioned to take care of
the winter quarters at Yanghi-kol.
After two long days’ march towards the north we reached
the foot of the mountains, and then kept along them
towards the east. < One day we accomplished as much as
26 miles, a very long day’s work for the slow-stalking
camels, and that evening we encamped at the spring of
Bujentu-bulak. I remember the next morning as if it
were only yesterday. Chernoff had been in as usual
whilst I still slept, and had lighted the little stove which I
had this time brought with me, but he failed to observe
that the wind, which was blowing down the glen, pressed
the canvas of the tent against the heated funnel. I was
awakened by an uncomfortable sense of warmth, and
opening my eyes I saw the canvas in flames. I shouted to
the men. In a moment they had the tent down, and with
Chernoff began to drag out the boxes, maps, and books
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