two strangers. On the way you will
serve them faithfully, and take care to be always respectful and
obedient. Do you clearly understand what I say?" "Yes, we do." "When
you pass through the villages of the _Poba_ (Thibetians) beware that you
do not oppress the people. At the stations take care not to rob or
pillage the property of any person. Do you clearly understand?" "Yes,
we do." "Do not injure the flocks, respect the cultivated fields, do not
set fire to the woods. Do you clearly understand me?" "Yes, we do."
"Among yourselves let there always be peace and harmony. Are you not all
soldiers of the empire? Do not then abuse or quarrel with one another.
Do you understand clearly?" "Yes, we do." "Whoever conducts himself
badly, let him not hope to escape chastisement; his crime will be
investigated attentively, and severely punished. Do you clearly
understand?" "Yes, we do." "As you understand, obey and tremble."
After this brief but energetic peroration, the fifteen soldiers struck
the ground with their foreheads thrice and rose.

[Picture: Adieu of Ki-Chan]

Just as we were leaving the residence of the ambassador, Ki-Chan drew us
apart, to say a few words in private. "In a little while," said he, "I
shall leave Thibet, and return to China. {227} In order that I may not
be too much encumbered with luggage, on my departure, I am going to send
two large cases with you; they are covered with the hide of a long-haired
ox." He then told us the characters with which they were marked. "These
two cases," added he, "I recommend to your care. Every evening, when you
reach the station, have them deposited in the place where you yourselves
pass the night. At Tching-Tou-Fou, capital of Sse-Tchouen, you will
commit them to the care of Pao-Tchoung-Tang, viceroy of the province.
Keep a good eye on your own property, for in the route you will pursue,
there are many petty thieves." Having assured Ki-Chan that we would
observe his recommendation, we rejoined Ly-Kouo-Ngan, who was waiting for
us on the threshold of the great entrance gate.

It was rather curious that the Chinese ambassador should think fit to
confide his treasure to us, whilst he had at his disposal a Grand
Mandarin, who was naturally called upon by his position to render him
this service. But the jealousy which Ki-Chan felt towards strangers did
not make him forget his own interests. He considered, no doubt, that it
wou