THE NINTH VIBRATION

There is a place uplifted nine thousand feet in purest air where
one of the most ancient tracks in the world runs from India into
Tibet. It leaves Simla of the Imperial councils by a stately
road; it passes beyond, but now narrowing, climbing higher beside
the khuds or steep drops to the precipitous valleys beneath, and
the rumor of Simla grows distant and the way is quiet, for, owing
to the danger of driving horses above the khuds, such baggage as
you own must be carried by coolies, and you yourself must either
ride on horseback or in the little horseless carriage of the
Orient, here drawn and pushed by four men. And presently the
deodars darken the way with a solemn presence, for-

These are the Friars of the wood,
The Brethren of the Solitude
Hooded and grave-"

-their breath most austerely pure in the gradually chilling air.
Their companies increase and now the way is through a great wood
where it has become a trail and no more, and still it climbs for
many miles and finally a rambling bungalow, small and low, is
sighted in the deeps of the trees, a mountain stream from unknown
heights falling beside it. And this is known as the House in the
Woods. Very few people are permitted to go there, for the owner
has no care for money and makes no provision for guests. You must
take your own servant and the khansamah will cook you such simple
food as men expect in the wilds, and that is all. You stay as
long as you please and when you leave not even a gift to the
khansamah is permitted.