THROUCxH ASIA 
428 
then led his force to Chakker-aghil, at the opening of the 
Ghez valley. Whilst waiting there, Kurushi Dacha, Beg 
Bulat’s brother, learned that the Chinese intended to put 
to death all who had participated in the revolt, unless they 
gave up Hakim. Kurushi thereupon deserted his leader 
and went to the Little Kara-kul. He was then ordered 
by the Chinese to attack Hakim at Muji, and did so. 
Hakim fled across the Kizil-art pass, and many of his 
men fell. Betr Bulat continued to command the remnant 
of the Kirghiz forces. But they too were scattered, and 
Beg Bulat retired to Rang-kul ; while his brother was 
taken prisoner by the Chinese and beheaded in Kashgar. 
Beg Bulat, fearing a similar fate, fled to Ak-baital ; but 
was followed by fifty Chinese horsemen, who came up 
with him at that place, and captured him, and took him 
and his family through Kashgar to Turfan. There he 
lived in exile for nine years ; but the beg of Turfan, who 
was a Mohammedan, let him be at large, and allowed 
him to engage in trade undisturbed. As he invariably 
conducted himself well, the Chinese authorities eventually 
not only permitted him to return to his own country, but, 
valuing his abilities, offered him the appointment of beg 
of the eastern Pamirs. But he refused it, saying that he 
would not serve a people who had killed his brother. 
After that the Russians entered the Pamirs. At the time 
of my visit old Beg Bulat was living at Rang-kul in 
poverty and obscurity. 
Thus we used to talk, often till late in the night, while 
the blue flames played about the glowing embers of the 
camp-fire, dimly lighting the interior of the tent, so that 
the rugged features of the bearded men seated round on 
the carpets could hardly be distinguished. I do not know' 
whether the Kirghiz parted from me with regret ; for 
living amid a cold, niggardly, unyielding climate, the 
hearts that beat in their breasts are hard and unsym- 
pathetic, and unresponsive to the warmer feelings. Yet 
many a friendly "Hash! (Farewell !),” ‘•'Khoda yoll vers^ln ! 
(God prepare the way!),” and ^^Allakti akhbar ! (God is 
great !) ” followed me when I went away ; and they stood 
