hibetian studies. Sometimes we
would interrupt our labours to indulge in the relaxation of talking about
France; and after this, rambling for awhile in spirit, over our dear
native land, it was with a certain amount of difficulty only, that we
could resume the realities of our position. It seemed strange,
impossible almost, that we two should be seated there, amid the silent
night, poring over Thibetian characters, in a country well nigh at the
extremity of the world, and practically unknown to Europeans.

On the third day of the first moon, Sandara the Bearded reappeared.
During his absence we had enjoyed such delightful calm, that his aspect
occasioned within us a very painful sensation; we felt like schoolboys
alarmed at the approach of a severe preceptor. Sandara, however, was
charmingly amiable. After gracefully wishing us a happy new year, in the
most paternal, the most sentimental of phraseology, he proceeded to
discourse upon the little mule we had lent him. First, on their way out,
the little mule had thrown him a dozen times, so that at last he had
resolved to walk; but then the creature was so droll, so fantastic in its
ways, had so amused him, that he had not had time to grow tired. After
this and similar small talk, we proceeded to business. Sandara said,
that since we were determined to wait for the Thibetian embassy, he
invited us to go and reside meanwhile in the Lamasery at Kounboum; and
thereupon, with his accustomed eloquence, he descanted upon the
advantages presented by a Lamasery to men of study and prayer. The
proposition met the very wish of our hearts; but we took care not to
manifest any enthusiasm in the matter, contenting ourselves with
replying, coldly: "Well, we'll see how we like it."

The next day was devoted to the preparations for departure. Not having
our camels with us, we hired a car, on which to transport our baggage.
In announcing our departure to the host of the House of Repose, we
claimed our tent, which we had lent him twelve days before, for a picnic
party that he said he had formed with some friends into the Land of
Grass; he replied, that he would send for it immediately to the friend's
house, where it was carefully stowed away. We waited, but in vain; night
came, the tent did not. At last, the host told us that his friend had
left home for a day or two, and that the tent was locked up; but that it
should be sent after us so soon as his friend returned. Sandara ha