FROM TONKIN TO INDIA 



part, and of which the movement gets faster and faster until it 

 has happened that those who fell have been trampled to death 

 beneath the feet of the others. On the celebration of these 

 fetes each visitor receives from the king wine and meat, more 

 than a dozen oxen being slaughtered for one repast. The 

 Lissous are not always tractable ; it is narrated that on a recent 

 occasion, dissatisfied with their meal and excited by drink, 

 they broke out into a riot, and would have killed the Isctipa 

 (Lissou title for the mokoua, "great chief"); but the latter, not- 

 withstanding his youth, boldly bared his breast and dared them 

 to strike. This display of courage appealed to their own, and 

 the young king acquired a great popularity from that momcMit. 



The Mossos of Yetche are regarded as the slaves of their 

 chief; three families can always be called out for service or for 

 corvee. Each of his subjects must contribute to the building of 

 his house ; and his field labourers receive their keep, but no 

 pay. The people on the left bank of the river have a right of 

 appeal against the viokoiia to the Chinese court at Ouisi. But 

 it is never put into use : whatever happens, his jurisdiction is 

 invariably found more just and less tyrannical than the Chinese 

 tribunals. 



The father of the reigning Mosso mokoua was a trusted 



adherent to Yangynko, conqueror of the Mussulmans of Tali, 



and having been deputed to reduce the Lamaserai of Honpou 



(near Atentsd) was there assassinated. Although his death was 



avenged by Chinese forces, and a fine of three thousand taels plus 



the head of the murderer exacted, this did not satisfy his son and 



successor, who sent two thousand Lissou warriors (after making 



them drink vengeance in bull's blood, their warlike custom), and 



devastated the villages belonging to the Lamas up to the outskirts 



214 



