Offeecially , I am debarred from criticizing any action of superiors . Now I go on . -- This pleased the Government , anxious to avoid expense , and a bond was made for so many rupees a month that Hilas and Bunar should guard the Passes as soon as the State 's troops were withdrawn . At that time -- it was after we two met -- I , who had been selling tea in Leh , became a clerk of accounts in the Army . When the troops were withdrawn , I was left behind to pay the coolies who made new roads in the Hills . This road-making was part of the bond between Bunar , Hilas , and the Government . ' ` So ? And then ? ' ' I tell you , it was jolly-beastly cold up there too , after summer , ' said Hurree Babu confidentially . ' I was afraid these Bunar men would cut my throat every night for thee pay-chest . My native sepoy-guard , they laughed at me ! By Jove ! I was such a fearful man . Nevar mind thatt . I go on colloquially ... I send word many times that these two Kings were sold to the North ; and Mahbub Ali , who was yet farther North , amply confirmed it . Nothing was done . Only my feet were frozen , and a toe dropped off . I sent word that the roads for which I was paying money to the diggers were being made for the feet of strangers and enemies . ' ` For ? ' ` For the Russians .
The thing was an open jest among the XXXXX .
Army Babu Bunar Hilas Hills Leh Russians coolies diggers left