t, a barbarity which, in
our then state, we had a right to consider as an attempt upon our life.
Ki-Chan replied that he had nothing to do with what the French government
might think or do, that in his conduct he had only to regard the will of
his Emperor. "If my master," he said, "knew that I had permitted two
Europeans freely to preach the religion of the Lord of heaven in Thibet,
I should be lost. It would not be possible for me to escape death."

The next day, Ki-Chan sent for us in order to communicate to us a report
he had drawn up on the subject of our affairs; and which he proposed to
lay before the Emperor. "I did not wish," said he, "to let it go without
reading it to you previously, for fear there should have escaped me in it
any expressions inexact in themselves or distasteful to you." Having
attained his chief object, Ki-Chan had resumed his amiable and
conciliatory manner towards us. His report was unmeaning enough; what it
said about us was neither good nor bad; it simply set forth a dry
nomenclature of the countries we had passed through, since our departure
from Macao. "Is this report as you like it?" said Ki-Chan; "do you see
anything in it to alter?" M. Huc answered, that he had an observation to
make of great importance. "Speak, I listen." "What I have to say to
you, does not interest us in the least; but it affects you very nearly."
"Let us hear what it is." "My communication must be private: let your
people withdraw." "These men are my servants; they all belong to my
household; fear nothing." "Oh, it is not we who have anything to fear;
all the danger is to you." "The danger to me! No matter, the officers
of my suite may hear all." "If you will, you can repeat to them what I
have to say; but I cannot speak in their presence." "Mandarins cannot
hold secret conversations with strangers; it is forbidden by the laws."
"In that case, I have nothing to tell you; send the report just as it is;
but if it brings misfortune upon you, only blame yourself." The Chinese
ambassador became pensive; he took infinite pinches of snuff, one after
another, and then, as the result of long reflection, told his suite to
retire, and to leave us alone with him.

When everyone had gone, M. Huc began: "Now," said he to Ki-Chan, "you
will understand why I wished to speak to you in private, and how
important it is to you that no one should hear what I have to tell you.
You will judge if we are dangerous men, w