ll with loads of coal. We
resolved to sojourn for a few days at Ho-Kiao-Y, for the purpose of
giving rest to our animals, whose strength had become almost exhausted;
the horse and the mule, in particular, had tumours on their sides,
occasioned by the constant rubbing of the saddle, and it was essential to
have these cured before we proceeded further. Having formed this
project, our next business was to inspect all the inns in the place, for
the purpose of selecting as our abode that which presented the most
favourable indications, and the Hotel of the Temperate Climates was
ultimately honoured with our choice.

Ever since our entry into the province of Kan-Sou, not a day had passed
in which Samdadchiemba had not enlarged upon the subject of the Three
Valleys and the Dchiahours. Though there was no very immense amount of
sentiment about him, he had a great desire to revisit his native place,
and to see once more any members of his family who might happen to be
surviving there. We could not do otherwise than aid so laudable a
purpose; accordingly, when we were established in the Hotel of the
Temperate Climates, we granted to our cameleer eight days' leave of
absence, wherein to revisit his so long abandoned home. Eight days
appeared to him fully sufficient for the purpose: two to go in, two to
come back in, and four to be spent in the bosom of his family, relating
to them all the marvels he had witnessed abroad. We allowed him the use
of a camel, that he might appear among his friends with the greater
distinction; and five ounces of silver which we placed in his purse
completed his recommendations to a favourable reception.

While awaiting the return of our Dchiahour, we were exclusively occupied
in taking care of our animals, and of ourselves. Every day we had to go
into the town to buy our provisions, then to cook them, and, morning and
evening, to water our cattle at some distance from the inn. The master
of the house was one of those good-natured persons who, in their very
eagerness to oblige, become troublesome; and whose amiability of
intention scarcely induces one to pardon their importunity of attention.
The worthy man was incessantly thrusting himself into our room, to give
us advice how we ought to do this, that, and the other. After altering
the position of everything in the chamber according to his fancy for the
moment, he would go up to the furnace, take off the lid of the saucepan,
dip his finger i