referring to myself and Longstaff. The former word
means a high official and the latter doctor; hut the
ordinary word for Europeans is Peling or Piling.
This was indeed a surprise, for she had previously
declared that nothing on earth would make her see us,
as she knew that our evil eye would blast her for ever.
It was also told me later that she had one child, but
was very anxious for another, and that some one had
assured her that, if she would only see us, she would
certainly very soon be the happy mother of a boy.
Anyhow, after a very long wait she came dressed
in the most splendid state, with her face washed
white (she generally has it smeared as a protection
from the wind and wears a black patch on the nose),
her hair brushed over the shoulders, a tiara of red
balls of coral and turquoise on her head, and a silk
sash over her gorgeous costume. I t was explained
to us that she was very sorry she had no better present
to give us (what she gave us was really very good),
for she 'quite realised that great things were expected
of her as one of her husbands was a Viceroy-elect,
and she hoped we would forgive her. Having said
this much, she said she must go at once and feed her
baby, but she would return soon and would like to be
photographed, but by herself and not with any one
else; and so she left us inwardly thinking she was
quite capable of looking after three or, in fact, any
number of husbands. In a few minutes, after what
must have been a record quick meal for the child, she
returned and was photographed by us, but not without
endless questions as to whether she should stand
or sit, as she thought she would like her dress to show
at its best, and whether her hair was quite right, and
as to how she should put her hands for the -rings to
show, and finally, as the critical moment came, she
said her feet were not showing and she would like
them in the picture. We were told later that after
our departure the whole place was sprinkled with
Prayer-pole and prayer-flags
THE JONGPEN AND LAMA IN PEONT OP THE TEMPLE
water and devoutest ceremonies were performed, for
the exorcism of all unpleasant spirits we had introduced
into the fort. I can only say that the need
for fumigation of our tent after their visit to us was
only equalled by the number and size of the beasts
of prey captured.
These officials o f. the “ Forbidden Land ” were at
first a little anxious to cast a veil of mystery over
things generally, and especially over all matters religious,
and it was not for us to intrude where we were