you may travel in
peace." This operation was effected rapidly and in the readiest manner
possible. The Lama was then about to fetch the sheep; but as it was
already late, we said it was unnecessary, for that we should remain a
whole day in his valley.

Next morning, before we were awake, the Lama opened the door of our tent,
laughing so loud that he aroused us. "Ah," said he, "I see plainly that
you do not intend to depart to-day. The sun is already very high, and
you sleep still." We rose quickly, and as soon as we were dressed, the
Lama spoke of the sheep. "Come to the flock," he said; "you may choose
at your pleasure." "No, go by yourself, and select a sheep for us
yourself. At present we have an occupation. With us, Lamas of the
Western sky, it is a rule to pray as soon as we rise." "Oh, what a fine
thing!" said the Lama; "oh, the holy rules of the West!" His admiration,
however, did not make him forget his little affair of business. He
mounted his horse and rode towards a flock of sheep which we saw
undulating upon the slope of a hill.

We had not yet finished our prayers when we heard the Tartar returning at
full gallop. He had fastened the sheep to the back of his saddle, like a
portmanteau. Hardly arrived at the door of our tent, he dismounted; and
in the twinkling of an eye he had put upon its four legs the poor sheep,
quite astounded at the ride it had been favoured with. "That is the
sheep; is it not fine? Does it suit you?" "Admirably. What is the
price?" "One ounce; is that too much?" Considering the size of the
animal, we thought the price moderate. "You ask an ounce; here is an
ingot, which is just of the weight you require. Sit down for a moment;
we will fetch our scales, and you shall ascertain whether this piece of
silver really weighs an ounce." At these words the Lama drew back, and
cried, stretching out both hands towards us: "Above there is a heaven,
below there is the earth, and Buddha is the lord of all things. He wills
that men behave towards each other like brothers; you are of the West, I
am of the East. Is that any reason why the intercourse between us should
not be frank and honourable? You have not cheapened my sheep: I take
your money without weighing it." "An excellent principle," said we. "As
you will not weigh the money, pray sit, nevertheless, for a moment; we
will take a cup of tea together and talk over a little matter." "I know
what you mean; neither y