SINO-MONGOLIAN FRONTIER 
the crafty Celestial temptingly displays, upon 
the usual small stalls, a gaudy array 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 
th, t 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. When 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 
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