us by our late friends, we were constantly looking
right and left, but in vain. It grew late, and, according to the
information of the Tartars, we began to fear we must have passed the only
encampment we were likely to find that day. By dint of straining our
eyes, we at length got sight of a horseman, slowly riding along the
bottom of a lateral valley. He was at some distance from us; but it was
essential that we should obtain information from him. M. Gabet
accordingly hastened after him, at the utmost speed of his tall camel's
long legs. The horseman heard the cries of the camel, looked back, and
seeing that some one was approaching him, turned his horse round, and
galloped towards M. Gabet. As soon as he got within ear-shot: "Holy
personage," cried he, "has your eye perceived the yellow goats? I have
lost all traces of them." "I have not seen the yellow goats; I seek
water, and cannot find it. Is it far hence?" "Whence came you? Whither
go you?" "I belong to the little caravan you see yonder. We have been
told that we should this evening on our way, find lakes, upon the banks
of which we could commodiously encamp; but hitherto we have seen nothing
of the kind." "How could that be? 'Tis but a few minutes ago you passed
within a few yards of the water. Sir Lama, permit me to attend your
shadow; I will guide you to the Three Lakes." And so saying, he gave his
horse three swinging lashes with his whip, in order to put it into a pace
commensurate with that of the camel. In a minute he had joined us. "Men
of prayer," said the hunter, "you have come somewhat too far; you must
turn back. Look" (pointing with his bow) "yonder; you see those storks
hovering over some reeds: there you will find the Three Lakes." "Thanks,
brother," said we; "we regret that we cannot show you your yellow goats
as clearly as you have shown us the Three Lakes." The Mongol hunter
saluted us, with his clasped hands raised to his forehead, and we
proceeded with entire confidence towards the spot he had pointed out. We
had advanced but a few paces before we found indications of the near
presence of some peculiar waters. The grass was less continuous and less
green, and cracked under our animals' hoofs like dried leaves; the white
efflorescence of saltpetre manifested itself more and more thickly. At
last we found ourselves on the bank of one lake, near which were two
others. We immediately alighted, and set about erecting our tent