Page:Mongolia, the Tangut country, and the solitudes of northern Tibet vol 1 (1876).djvu/205

 were the motives which impelled us onwards at all hazards, regardless of probabilities or possibilities.

At Kalgan we reformed our caravan. Two new Cossacks appointed to our expedition joined us here, and our former companions returned home. One of the new Cossacks was a Buriat, the other a Russian; the former was to act as interpreter, the latter as steward. They had also to assist us in loading and pasturing the camels, saddling the horses, pitching the tent, collecting argols for fuel, &c. &c., all which formed part of every day's work, and became the more burdensome as it encroached on the time available for scientific pursuits. However, it was impossible to arrange differently, because, as I have already explained, I could not afford to take more than two Cossacks, and the services of a Chinese or Mongol were unobtainable at any price.

The number of our pack-camels was increased by the purchase of a new one, making altogether eight camels, and two horses. Mr. Pyltseff and I rode the latter, the Cossacks bestrode two camels, and the remaining six carried our baggage, which, I should think, weighed about 16½ cwts.; the setter dog, 'Faust,' completed our small caravan.

When all our preparations were concluded, my friend and I despatched our last letters home, and on the 15th May once more mounted the plateau of Mongolia. The following day we turned off the Kiakhta road to the left, taking a westerly direction by the post road to Kuku-khoto. For three days we travelled over an uneven plain occupied by