178 AFTER WILD SHEEP IN THE ALTAI 



whereupon we said he could cut one in half to assure 

 himself of the contrary. Evidently he did not con- 

 sider us trustworthy customers. Finally he said he 

 would not part with his belt for less than 57 Chinese 

 oulans (114 roubles), but as Mrs. Littledale refused 

 to ^ive such a sum he brought it down to 100 roubles. 



A TAME YAK. 



While this was taking place the others had each 

 caught hold of something in the tent, examining 

 every article with the greatest interest ; the camera 

 seemed to frighten them, and when Littledale pointed 

 it towards them they all made a sudden rush back- 

 wards. After this decisive trial of their standing- 

 powers they took leave of us and departed. A few 

 minutes later a special messenger from the Kha 



