CHAPTER VI

THE ACTION AT THE HOT SPRINGS

The deadlock at Tuna--Discomforts of the garrison--The Lamas' curse--The attitude of Bhutan--A diplomatic triumph--Tedious delays--A welcome move forward--The Tibetan camp at Hot Springs--The Lhasa Depon meets Colonel Younghusband--Futile conferences--The Tibetan position surrounded--Coolness of the Sikhs and Gurkhas--The disarming--A sudden outbreak--A desperate struggle--The action of the Lhasa General--The rabble disillusioned in their gods--A beaten and bewildered enemy--Reflections after the event--Tibetans in hospital--Three months afterwards 99-114