KUNGES TO KULDJA 143 



M. Bonnin, a distinguished French traveller and 

 archaeologist, arrived, having come right across 

 China. His account of the Sairam Nor Road, 

 by which we intended to leave, was not at all 

 encouraging for us with our large caravan, and so 

 we decided to remain inactive for yet a few more days. 

 M. Bonnin was staying at the Mission, and on his 

 arrival of course sent his card to the Taotai, who, 

 however, had not the good manners even to send his 

 own in return a breach of etiquette which in China is 

 tantamount to an insult. Naturally M. Bonnin was 

 greatly incensed, and promptly appealed to the 

 Russian Consul as being the head of the European 

 community in Kuldja. The result was that the 

 Taotai had to come and call in person at the 

 Mission. As the Chinese authorities hate Missions, 

 this was indeed a come-down for his dignity, and 

 must have mortified him considerably. 



About this time we began to hear rumours of the 

 Chinese Emperor's death ; and Messrs. Steinman 

 and Smidt were very anxious about their colleagues 

 in inne** China, saying the country was in a very 

 disturbed state, and the people in many places only 

 too ready to break out if there was an opportunity. 

 These forebodings have since come true in a terrible 

 manner. 



