SINO-MONGOLIAN FRONTIER 
missionaries of any other sect, he changed his 
attitude towards us. He was still polite, but less 
bonhomme and presently he withdrew his invitation 
to stay at his home. 
However he promised to find us quarters else- 
where, and excusing himself on the plea that he 
had some business to attend to, set his pony at a 
gallop and was soon out of sight, leaving us to 
follow as best we could. 
At last after passing several more farmsteads, 
we came to a cluster of huts, outside which our 
friend awaited us. We were well received, being 
at once shown into a spare room, and offered 
salted tea and millet. 
Mr. Bluebutton introduced us to our host, and 
all arrangements were made for a stay of some 
days, after which, said he, we would be welcome 
to Borrobalgosun. Things having thus been 
arranged to his entire satisfaction, the chief bade 
us a hearty farewell, and with his minions rode 
away into the west. 
We at once set about making ourselves as com- 
fortable as possible. We got out our traps, but 
met with little success. The only things caught 
were specimens of ground squirrels (Citellus mon- 
golicus) and two varieties of gerbils (Meriones 
unguiculatus and M. auceps), together with the hare. 
An attempt to secure some antelopes failed, 
though quite a number were seen. Specimens of 
a snake (Coluber dione) and two lizards (Phryno- 
25 
