FROM TONKIN TO INDIA 



of the villagers and the amusement of our men, who transformed 

 themselves into link-boys with resinous pine branches. It was 

 kept up with spirit, and great was the appreciation when we 

 ourselves chose partners and "took the floor." The performance 

 was in most respects similar to that of the preceding night, save 

 that the surroundings, lit by a brilliant moon over the shoulder of 

 an ebon mass of mountain, were even wilder in this out-of-the- 

 world spot than before. Indeed, so secluded was the village, 

 that only the merest chance had discovered it to us : no possible 

 outlet from this angle could have been guessed for the river. 

 By degrees, as they grew tired, the dancers withdrew from the 

 circle, leaving three to foot it in a kotchoau (triple set). This they 

 executed at fixed distances apart, gradually contracting till their 

 shoulders touched, then radiating again, wheeling, pausing, leap- 

 ing, without a moment's cessation of the instruments ; the time 

 was perfect, and the dance demoniac, though it did not lack grace. 

 A pas dc deux ended, like a cossack dance. 



To this succeeded singing. A woman with a very fair voice 

 began an air which the others took up in chorus. Then followed 

 improvisation by one alone, or by one against another, the burden 

 of the songs being all in honour of us, as shown in the literal) 

 translation thus roughly given me : — 



