SINO-MONGOLIAN FRONTIER 



Hearing that there was some good pheasant 

 shooting to be had up a valley on the south side 

 of the road, we thought we would try our luck. 

 After a ride of about four miles we reached the 

 head of this side valley and, leaving our ponies at 

 a farm, climbed up towards some scanty scrub- 

 oak and hazel. Three pheasants and a covey of 

 partridges were the only game flushed. Dis- 

 appointed and hungry, we returned to our ponies, 

 and after a hearty meal, hurried back to overtake 

 the carts. This we did by riding hard, finally 

 Teaching Hsi-wan-tzu just as it was getting dark. 



That night we put up at a small inn, but next 

 morning, on paying a visit to the Catholic mis- 

 sionaries, received a pressing invitation to stay 



with them. Father R , the head of this 



Mission, very kindly placed three bedrooms, a 

 dining-room and a kitchen at our disposal, and 

 begged us to make ourselves at home. He also 

 told us where we might find game, and appointed 

 two of the natives of the village to act as guides. 

 Needless to say, these hospitable arrangements met 

 with great appreciation on our part. Throughout 

 our stay we were as comfortable as we could have 

 been in our own homes. 



We found that we would have to ride five or six 

 miles to reach the hunting grounds, but we 

 scarcely minded this as we were well mounted, 

 It was decided to commence operations at once, 

 so off we rode, following our guides, who were also 



89 



