in limited numbers, and at
stated intervals, could be tolerated; but when he perceived they were
about to descend on his state, like so many birds of prey on an
abandoned carcase, and when he surmised that in all likelihood they
would endeavour to mix themselves up in the political divisions of
Kashgar as they had in Bokhara and Khokand, he determined to impose some
other check on their visits besides that insignificant 2-1/2 per cent.
on goods that returned a profit of cent. per cent. He had given his
plighted word, however, that merchants should receive fair treatment,
and how could he find a loophole to avoid fulfilling what he had
promised, and yet at the same time escape bringing about an open rupture
with the Russian Government. The matter required most delicate
manipulation, but Yakoob Beg proved himself equal to the occasion. It
was not to be expected, however, that Yakoob Beg could accomplish his
task of discouraging Russian enterprise without giving some umbrage to
the government.

Despite the friendly reception of Baron Kaulbars, there still remained
some uncertainty in the minds of individuals, whether the Athalik Ghazi
was as sincere in his protestations as he would have it believed. There
was, consequently, some disinclination among the merchants of Kuldja to
be the first to send a caravan to Kashgar. They were all willing enough
to share the profits, but it was a risky experiment all the same; and
each would prefer that his neighbour should inaugurate the enterprise.
In commercial circles, there was much discussion on the new state, and
the prospects of trade therewith, and there was much talk as to "who
should bell the cat." The hesitation, if indeed so natural a sentiment
deserves to be specified here, soon passed off, and Mr. Pupyshef, a
merchant, who had had very large business connections with most parts of
Central Asia, resolved to send the first consignment of merchandise to
Kashgar. Mr. Pupyshef was, however, unable to go in person, so his
caravan set out under the charge of his clerk Somof. It arrived without
"let or hindrance" in Kashgar, where Mr. Somof was provided with
accommodation in the Caravanserai specially set apart for foreign
merchants. But a change was at once perceptible in the sentiments of the
ruler, as the personal freedom of the members of the expedition was
curtailed, and all their movements were watched with the most exacting
surveillance; and the residence of Mr. Somof was b