r
life, which, however correct historically, is not in keeping with the
actual current state of the Mongol character. It implies something
impetuous, stern, unyielding, relentless, and cruel; whereas the
modern life of the children of the desert exhibits much that is
simple, confiding, generous, and even chivalric. It is nothing to our
discredit that we should have been so long in discovering these
features in the great nomadic class of the day, because European
barbarians are absolutely prohibited from visiting the desert places
which are the scenes of their wanderings; and but for the enterprise
of two Roman Catholic missionaries from France, we should probably
have remained in ignorance for a much longer period. These gentlemen,
however, have thrown a light on this subject, which is too remarkable
to be passed over without notice. Messrs Gabet and Huc composed their
work in 1846, but it has only recently been published in this
country,[3] and its perusal cannot fail to modify many of our
preconceived notions regarding Tartar life.

It will, for example, be admitted that, according to the hitherto
popular acceptation of the character, Tartars were not exactly the
sort of persons on whom practical jokes might be perpetrated with
impunity. Read, however, the following anecdote:--While our two
travellers were one day in their tents, two Tartar horsemen dashed up
to the entrance, and threw themselves on the ground. 'Men of prayer,'
said they with voices full of emotion, 'we come to ask you to draw our
horoscope. We have this day had two horses stolen from us. We cannot
find the robbers, and we come to you men of learning, to tell us where
we shall find our property.'

'Brothers,' answered the missionaries, 'we are not lamas of Buddha,
and do not believe in horoscopes. For a man to say that he can
discover stolen goods by such means, is falsehood and deception.'

The horsemen entreated, but the priests were inflexible, and the
disappointed Tartars mounted their steeds, and galloped off. It so
happened that Samdadchiemba, the guide of the missionaries--a
Christianised Oriental, but withal a very merry fellow--was present
during this interview, but he sat drinking his tea without uttering a
word. All on a sudden he knitted his brows, rose, and came to the
door. The horsemen were at some distance; but the _dchiahour_, by an
exertion of his strong lungs, induced them to turn round in their
saddles. He motioned to them, and