wo Lamas of the Western Heaven, who have
been recommended to me by the chief Kalon of Lha-Ssa, and who are
entitled to my services. Where is the Dheba of Bagoung? Let him
advance."

The individual who, the evening before, had come to tell us, "no more
money, no more oulah," presented himself. He bent his knee before the
great chief, and respectfully put his tongue in his cheek at him. "Let
them get ready the oulah immediately," cried Proul-Tamba, "and let every
one do his duty." The Thibetians, who were in the courtyard, sent forth
a simultaneous shout of submission, and ran off to the adjacent village.

Proul-Tamba rose, and after having invited us to take tea in his house,
which stood on our road, sprang on his horse, and returned home at full
gallop. The oulah soon appeared, and the caravan found itself organised,
as it were, by magic. After half an hour's march, we reached the
residence of the great chief. It was a lofty, large structure, not
unlike a stronghold of the feudal times. A broad canal, bordered with
large trees, encircled it. A drawbridge descended for us. We dismounted
to cross it, and entered, through an immense gateway, a square court,
where my lord Proul-Tamba awaited us. They tied the horses to posts
planted in the middle of the court, and we were introduced into a vast
saloon, which seemed to serve as the domestic temple, or castle chapel.
The enormous beams which supported the roof were entirely gilt. The
walls were hung with flags of all colours, covered with Thibetian
inscriptions. At the end of the saloon were three colossal statues of
Buddha, before which were placed large butter lamps and censers. In a
corner of the temple, they had prepared a low table, with four thick
cushions, covered with red stuff. Proul-Tamba graciously invited us to
take our places, and as soon as we were seated, the chatelaine made her
appearance in state costume, that is to say, with her face frightfully
daubed over with black, her copious tresses adorned with spangles, red
coral beads, and small mother-of pearl buttons.

In her right hand she carried a majestic tea-pot, the vast circumference
of which rested on her left arm. Each of us presented his cup, which was
filled with a bumper of tea, on the surface of which floated a thick coat
of butter: the tea was of the best quality. While we were sipping the
hot fluid, our hostess reappeared, bearing two dishes of gilt wood, the
one full of raisins,