FROM TONKIN TO INDIA 



The minister now requested a written testimonial in return for 

 his trood offices. He cot it in the form of a notice, in French 

 and English, warning future travellers to beware of the rapacity 

 of the inhabitants of Khamti, chiefs and commons. 



Our preparations were interrupted by the arrival of two horse- 

 men, mounted on broad-chested, short-necked tats, like those of 

 Annam. One of these gentry, dressed in a many - coloured 

 langouti, fo.\-skin vest, and white turban, proved to be a Gourka 

 of Nepaul, who had travelled by Darjeeling to Calcutta, and 

 thence to Ranooon, Moulmein, Mandalav, Bhamo, and Mooauna. 

 He spoke a few words of English, and confirmed the report of 

 fighting between the English and the Singphos. He described 

 how he himself, a merchant, had been made prisoner, bound, and 

 despoiled of three thousand rupees and three cases of goods, but 

 had made his escape minus everything. An offer which we 

 made him to accompany our party back to India was declined, 

 on the score of attempting the recovery ot his lost effects. His 

 presence added an entirely fresh and unexpected type of Asiatic 

 to the motley gathering round our kiosk. 



We had fixed our start for the 24th (November). The 

 morning came, but no porters. Seran-Seli, sent to beat them 

 up, raises three ; the rest reported coming. Reappearance of king's 

 son and minister — just to see us off, and to beg a case lor the 

 former's Winchester, which we gave rather as one does a bone 

 to a dog. Another hour — still five carriers short. King's son 

 issues orders to find them. This not producing the smallest 

 effect, " Pessimus," as Joseph dubbed the avaricious Pai' inter- 

 preter, sallies in quest; and — 2 p.m. — returns — unaccompanied, 

 to say that they were certainly there overnight, but have fled. 

 Another day lost ! 



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