Page:From Kulja, across the Tian Shan to Lob-Nor (1879).djvu/49

30 on the accuser, who on this proof of innocence retracts his calumny.

Another somewhat peculiar custom is thus related by Dr. Bellew. During the spring and summer seasons the young people are in the habit of racing along the river. A party of six or eight maids form up on the river, each in her own skiff, and a party of as many youths form up on the bank, each on his own horse. At an agreed signal they all start off to an appointed goal, the maids paddling down the stream, and the youths galloping along the bank. If the maids win, they select a partner for the night from amongst the youths, each in the order of her arrival at the winning-post. Similarly if the youths win, they choose their companion from the maids in turn. The contract only lasts for that night, and the couplings vary with the chances of each successive race, though often the same partners meet. If a girl becomes pregnant she points out the author, and he marries her.