“It is inconceivable,” said Ma, “how you have contrived to get through to Shigatse without being stopped.”
“Yes, to speak frankly, I had expected all kinds of annoyances, if not sooner, at any rate a couple of days’ journey from here.”
“I did not hear a word of your coming; if I had known that you were approaching the town, it would have been my duty to stop you.”
“Then it is fortunate for me that you are strange here.”
“Yes, but the worst is, that I shall come off badly as soon as the Amban hears that you are living here, in Shigatse. But now it is too late; I cannot help it now.”
“Tell me, Ma Daloi, do you think that the Tashi Lama will receive me?”
“I doubt it. Immediately on my arrival I begged for an audience with the Grand Lama, but he has not even condescended to give me an answer. And yet I am a Chinese officer.”
| 108. Court of Religious Ceremonies in Tashi-lunpo. |
| 109. Religious Decorations on the Roofs of Tashi-lunpo to exorcise Evil Spirits. |
This was little encouraging to me, a stranger, who had come from the north without permission, and of whom no one knew what spirit he was. And then next day was the New Year festival, which I could not attend without some understanding, especially as the Tashi Lama himself would be present. But he must know something about me, or how could Ngurbu Tundup’s arrival at Ngangtse-tso with the letters be explained?