Across the Roof of the World. 



To the north of camp were ranges of mountains, part of the 

 Ala Tau system, whilst to the south were the undulating hills 

 through which I had marched during the day. The plain on 

 which the tents were pitched stretched away to the west into 

 Russian territory, and to the east lay the lake, its still waters 

 unbroken by a single ripple. 



My camp was not far from the Russo-Chinese frontier, and 

 the Mongols informed me the country around was infested with 

 robbers and raiders of all descriptions ; in this respect resembling 

 our own North-west frontier of India where battle, murder and 

 sudden death are of all too frequent occurrence. 



The bandits of the Ebi Nor region come over from Russian 

 territory, rob any passing caravan, and then return across the 

 frontier whither the Mongol levies cannot follow them. A few days 

 prior to my arrival in this lawless spot, two unfortunate merchants 

 returning from a bartering journey amongst the nomad tribes 

 to the north, had been waylaid and robbed of their goods and 

 chattels, their throats being cut by the raiders who had then dis- 

 appeared across the border. I therefore had my battery ready, 

 and should not have hesitated to use it had these gentry attempted 

 anything upon us, as I was informed they would endeavour to do. 



The entire country from the Sairam Nor to Chuguchak is 

 full of horse thieves and raiders since the route, as stated, lying 

 along the frontier, enables them to indulge their raiding pro- 

 pensities practically unchecked. 



The night I encamped at Kizil Tus two Kazaks joined me 

 from the Borotala saying they wished to proceed two marches 

 further north, where the tribe to which they belonged were 

 established for winter quarters, but were chary of doing so alone 

 owing to the disturbed nature of the country. I was not quite 

 sure that they were all they represented themselves to be, and 

 for aught I knew might well have been in league with the rogues 

 and rascals of the neighbourhood. I however decided to risk 

 that, feeling sure of being able to hold my own in case of trouble, 

 so acceded to their request to be allowed to accompany me. 



326 



