I Visit the Mongol Chief. 



followed it up by informing him it could be done in less time if 

 one went by sledge and rail, but his knowledge of the iron 

 horse was nil, so this did not convey much. I endeavoured to 

 explain what a wonderful thing the railway is, but he became 

 so mystified that I concluded it better to change the subject 

 rather than endanger my reputation for veracity. 



In reply to further questions on the matter of my wealth and 

 worldly position he expressed great surprise on hearing I possessed 

 no sheep or cattle, and failed to comprehend how I could possibly 

 exist in this universe without a strong contingent of lambs and 

 kine. My explanations on the subject being obviously considered 

 unsatisfactory I refrained from further comment, but the future 

 traveller in Mongolia will do well to pose as a shepherd and owner 

 of stock on a big scale if he wishes to be numbered amongst the 

 high and mighty. 



Later in the day he returned my call and I showed him my 

 Goerz-Anschutz camera, in which he was greatly interested, 

 and when I took a photograph wanted to open the dark slide and 

 see the picture. My rifles and guns were a source of keen enjoy- 

 ment to liim, and for any of the latter he offered me as much silver 

 as I cared to name, but I declined. 



After his departure he sent a present of a roll of Chinese 

 silk, of a brilliant red colour, more suitable for the wardrobe of a 

 danscusc than that of a wandering shikari. He also despatched 

 to my quarters a variety of dishes made by the cooks of his 

 household, which my servants, ably seconded by the Tchja's 

 attendants, disposed of. 



On the 19th, with fresh horses hired here, I resumed the 

 onward march, striking north across the plain and over the 

 western limits of the Saur Range. It was a dull and gloomy day, 

 with much snow and a hard frost. The entire population, 

 including the lamas, came out to see my departure, such an 

 occurrence being something they could not miss. 



The country was still a vast plain, similar in all respects to 

 that traversed from Chuguchak. To the north stretched the 



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