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 
reaching Hsi-wan-tzi 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 
