at can
you do, they said, against sea-monsters? They live in the
water, like fishes; and when one least expects it, they rise to
the surface, and throw their inflamed Si-Koua.[14] As soon as
one makes ready to shoot one's arrows at them, they plunge back
into the water like frogs! Thus, they sought to frighten us;
but we, the soldiers of the eight banners, were not afraid.
Before we set out, the chief Lamas had opened the book of
celestial secrets, and had assured us that the affair would
have a happy issue. The Emperor had given to each Tchouanda, a
Lama learned in medicine, and initiated into the holy
mysteries, who was to cure us of all the diseases of the
climate, and protect us against the magic of the sea-monsters.
What had we then to fear? The rebels having heard that the
invincible militia of the Tchakar was approaching, trembled,
and sued for peace. The "Holy Master," in his infinite mercy
granted their prayer; and we were permitted to return to our
pastures and the care of our flocks."

But such meetings were rare, and in general, a passing salutation in the
metaphorical style of the East, was all that was exchanged with
fellow-travellers. It would seem, however, that a desert life has charms
which we, poor slaves of civilization, can scarcely appreciate, but
which never fail to captivate after a short experience. Would any of our
readers have fancied, for instance, that a search after _argols_ could
be an exciting employment? _Argol_, let it be understood, is a rather
pretty Tartar word for a very ugly thing, which can scarcely be
gracefully described. It means, in fact, the dung of the innumerable
animals that feed in the plains of Tartary, and which, in a dry state,
is carefully collected by the natives, and is their only fuel. No
argols, no breakfast; and in consequence, M. Huc tells us that the first
care of M. Gabet and himself, in the morning, after devoting a short
time to prayer, was to seek after argols--with what zest our readers
shall see:

The occupation that followed these meditations, was certainly
not of a mystical character; it was, however, a most necessary
one, and not without its attractions. Each of us threw a bag
over his shoulder, and set out in different directions in quest
of argols. Those who have never led a roving life will scarcely
believe that such an occupation ca