FROM TONKIN TO INDIA 



We took seven to begin with. One of them, Li, small, youthful, 

 and marked with smallpox, looked more of a hillman than Chinese, 

 though he hailed from the Yangtse. To him was given the command 

 of the others, with the title of makotou, or leader of the caravan. 



His subordinates 

 were simple mu- 

 leteers, luafous, 

 paid at the rate 

 of seven taels a 

 month through 

 him. He re- 

 ceived more, 

 would cater for 

 the men, do the 

 same work as 

 they, and act as 

 farrier and vet. 

 to the expedi- 

 tion. In his 

 latter capacity 

 he did not omit 

 to ask for an 

 advance to pur- 

 chase drugs. 

 Some of these 



Chinese working riuie Crane. 



arrangements had afterwards to be modified, but for the present 

 our mafous were all smiles and sweetness ; the day after their 

 engagement they brought us bouquets of jasmine. Loads were 

 apportioned, saddles adjusted, supplies laid in, and all with the 

 greatest cheerfulness. The makotou was quick, and did most of 



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