yet but a very superficial knowledge of the Thibetian language. His
tutor, an old Lama, well-educated and much respected, not merely in the
Lamasery, but throughout the whole extent of the Yellowish Banner, had
cherished great hopes of his disciple; it was, therefore, very
reluctantly that he had consented to a temporary separation, which he
limited to a month. Before his departure the pupil prostrated himself,
according to custom, at the feet of his master, and begged him to consult
for him the Book of Oracles. After having turned over some leaves of a
Thibetian book, the old Lama addressed to him these words: "For fourteen
years thou hast remained by thy master's side like a faithful Chabi
(disciple). Now, for the first time, thou art about to go from me. The
future fills me with anxiety; be careful then to return at the appointed
time. If thy absence is prolonged beyond one moon thy destiny condemns
thee never more to set foot in our holy Lamasery." The youthful pupil
departed, resolved to obey to the letter the instructions of his tutor.

When he arrived at our mission of Si-Wan, M. Gabet chose, as the subject
of his Mongol studies, an historical summary of the Christian religion.
The oral and written conferences lasted nearly a month. The young Lama,
subdued by the force of truth, publicly abjured Buddhism, received the
name of Paul, and was ultimately baptized, after a long course of study.
The prediction of the old Lama had its perfect accomplishment; Paul,
since his conversion, has never again set foot in the Lamasery which he
quitted.

About 2,000 Lamas inhabit the Lamasery of Tchortchi, which, it is said,
is the favourite Lamasery of the Emperor, who has loaded it with
donations and privileges. The Lamas in charge of it all receive a
pension from the court of Peking. Those who absent themselves from it by
permission, and for reasons approved by the superiors, continue to share
in the distributions of money and the provisions that are made during
their absence; on their return they duly receive the full amount of their
share. Doubtless that air of ease pervading the Lamasery of Tchortchi is
to be attributed to the imperial favours. The houses in it are neat,
sometimes even elegant; and you never see there, as in other places,
Lamas covered with dirty rags. The study of the Mantchou language is
much cultivated there, an incontestable proof of the great devotion of
the Lamasery to the reigning dynas