ght
not be blinded with the dust, we sat down beside our animals. We had no
notion where we were; our only idea was that the frame of the world was
unloosening, and that the end of all things was close at hand. This
lasted for more than an hour. When the wind had somewhat mitigated, and
we could see around us, we found that we were all separated from one
another, and at considerable distances, for amid that frightful tempest,
bawl as loud as we might, we could not hear each other's voices. So soon
as we could at all walk we proceeded towards a farm at no great distance,
but which we had not before perceived. The hurricane having thrown down
the great gate of the court we found no difficulty in entering, and the
house itself was opened to us with almost equal facility; for Providence
had guided us in our distress to a family truly remarkable for its
hospitality.

Immediately upon our arrival, our hosts heated some water for us to wash
with. We were in a frightful state; from head to foot we were covered
with dust which had saturated, so to speak, our clothes and almost our
skins. Had such a storm encountered us on the Alechan mountains, we
should have been buried alive in the sand, and all trace of us lost for
ever.

When we found that the worst of the storm was over, and that the wind had
subsided to occasional gusts, we proposed to proceed, but our kind hosts
would not hear of this; they said they would lodge us for the night, and
that our animals should have plenty of food and water. Their invitation
was so sincere and so cordial, and we so greatly needed rest, that we
readily availed ourselves of their offer.

A very slight observation of the inhabitants of Kan-Sou, will satisfy one
that they are not of purely Chinese origin. The Tartaro-Thibetian
element is manifestly predominant amongst them; and it displays itself
with especial emphasis in the character, manners, and language of the
country people. You do not find amongst them the exaggerated politeness
which distinguishes the Chinese; but, on the other hand, they are
remarkable for their open-heartedness and hospitality. In their
particular form of Chinese you hear an infinitude of expressions which
belong to the Tartar and Thibetian tongues. The construction of their
phrases, instead of following the Chinese arrangement, always exhibits
the inversions in use among the Mongols. Thus, for example, they don't
say, with the Chinese, open the door, sh