ENCOUNTER WITH DUNCANS. 105 



cessfully, but from the summit of the pass leading 

 to the second we could see, at a distance of upwards 

 of a mile, about a hundred mounted Dungans es- 

 corting a flock of sheep. On observing us they fired 

 a few shots and closed the defile through which we 

 were marchinof. The effect of this manoeuvre on our 

 guides was astonishing. Paralysed with fear, they 

 muttered their prayers in a trembling tone of voice, 

 imploring us to return ; but we knew very well that 

 retreat would give courage to the enemy, who could 

 easily have overtaken us on their horses ; and we 

 therefore determined to force a passage. We were 

 four well-armed and resolute men : as we marched 

 ahead of our caravan, the guides followed with the 

 camels, and were only prevented from deserting by 

 our threat of shooting the first who turned back. 

 The danger was great, but there was no help for it, 

 and we had full confidence in the excellence of our 

 arms and the well-known cowardice of the Duno-ans. 



о 



Our calculations proved correct. On observinQf 

 our forward movement, the Dungans fired a few 

 more shots, and before we had approached within 

 range fled to either side of the high road at right 

 angles with our advance. Leaving the defile, we 

 crossed the road and began the ascent of a very 

 steep high pass. To add to our difliculties night 

 came on and a violent snow-storm overtook us, 

 rendering it extremely difficult for the camels to 

 keep their footing. The descent was even worse ; 

 we had to feel our way down in the dark, stumbling 

 and falling at every step. After an hour's advance, 



