SINO-MONGOLIAN FRONTIER 



the crafty Celestial temptingly displays, upon 

 the usual small stalls, a gaudy arraj^ of trinkets, 

 cloth, ornaments and toys, for the benefit of the 

 innocent Mongol, whose mount, a soft-eyed camel, 

 stands patiently behind, his great jaws for ever 

 working from side to side as he chews the cud, 

 while his master pits his own simple nature against 

 that of the wily stall-keeper in a futile attempt 

 to drive a bargain. A little further up the valley 

 is a wide, open space, used as a horse and cattle 

 market. Here, when a fair is in progress, occur 

 scenes of unusual interest. The Mongols, who 

 bring down their herds, bivouac in the open, 

 making picturesque little groups. The women 

 accompany their husbands and take equal part 

 in the work of selling off their stock. TOien sales 

 are brisk one witnesses the wildest scenes, as 

 reckless riders tear up and down, regardless of life 

 and limb, in an effort to show their mounts off 

 to the best advantage. The air is filled with the 

 choking dust of a thousand hoofs, while the noise 

 and din are terrific. All this we saw and more, as 

 we rode up the valley in the warm winter sun, and 

 a very enjoyable day we spent. 



The evening train brought Douglas and Buchan, 

 with their outfit of tents and greyhounds. They 

 very kindly asked me to join their party. This 

 I was glad to do, as it would take me into new 

 country, besides offering the chance of some sport. 



Carts were hired, and on February 20 we left 



87 



