Across the Roof of the World. 



shed at one end of the courtyard a native Turkistan band 

 screeched forth discordant music, which had nothing to recom- 

 mend it, since there was no variation in the tune, the same thing 

 being rendered over and over again, doubtless, of course, to the 

 delight of the guests, but worthy of being prosecuted for creating 

 a pubhc nuisance from the European point of view. The instru- 

 ments comprised native guitars, flutes and tom-toms, the latter 



THE GOVERNOR OF KULJA RETURNS MY CALL. 



being banged enthusiastically on the principle of more noise 

 more melody. 



In front of the house were two tables on which strings of 

 copper money were deposited, these being presents to the 

 Aksakal from his numerous friends. Though the copper cash 

 of China represents a small amount the mountains of it 

 on those tables must have totalled up to quite a respectable 

 sum. 



310 



