“Yes, it is he who is coming the day after to-morrow.”
“Is he bringing with him as large a following as last time?”
“No; he perceived then that the troops of mounted men did not frighten you, and he trusts that you will be amenable to his wishes.”
January 8 was spent in repacking the baggage, and on the 9th the Tibetans set up another tent, intended, they said, for the Governor’s kitchen. At dusk two riders arrived, who announced that the Governor begged to be excused for not arriving at the stated time. He was an old man, had had the storm against him on the way, and could only travel slowly, but he would certainly be here on the evening of the 12th.
Then I sent for the chiefs of the Tibetans, and told them that they would not be admitted to my presence again if they did not speak the truth this time.
“Bombo Chimbo,” they replied, “if the Governor is not here in three days you may cut off our heads.”
“That is not necessary; it will suffice if you bind yourselves in writing to pay me a fine of ten horses if the Governor is not here in three days.”
“We will give you twenty horses.”
“No, ten are enough.” And now the contract was drawn up and signed.
“Have you any fresh information?”