Page:England & Russia in Central Asia,Vol-I.djvu/49

Rh North-west China, that the ordinary lama is a thoroughly good fellow and boon companion. Not free from much of that self-esteem which attaches to the priestly office all the world over, he is yet far above those prejudices and ignorances which make the mass of Chinamen, in their unreasoning antipathy to everything that is foreign and unknown to them, the playthings and the tools of an intriguing official class and of a nervous, dominant caste. M. Potanin's host was true to his cloth, and through his loquacity as well as by his hospitality served to while away the time pleasantly enough for the Russian traveller. The tea and mutton with which he regaled his visitor were admirable in their way, and although he declined to participate in the meal, which he declared was provided at the expense of the Bogdo Khan (the Emperor of China), he enlivened it with his presence and his bonhomie. M. Potanin does not attempt to relieve the curiosity we feel to be admitted into some of the mysteries of lamadom, nor does he in any way seek to throw light on the manner in which the Chinese have succeeded in maintaining their authority for centuries in this far-off corner of the empire. For a reply to these highly interesting political questions we must still await the advent of some gifted traveller. The next day M. Potanin was taken before the governor, whom he found seated on a bench in a small room, with four soldiers wearing yellow jackets at his side. He was forthwith accused of having entered a peaceable town with arms in his hands, and of having committed sacrilege by approaching a temple. After some delay, and an evident desire on the part of