The Rupun, seeing how quick I was at picking up words, took a special delight in teaching me, as one would a child, the names of the several grades in the Tibetan army. The _Tchu-pun_[29] was the lowest grade, and only had ten men under him; then came the _Kiatsamba-pun_ or _Kia-pun_,[30] or officer in command of one hundred soldiers; and the _Tung-pun_,[31] or head of one thousand. These officers, however, are seldom allowed the full complement of soldiers according to their grade, and very often the "commander of one thousand" has only under him three or four hundred men at the most. Above the _Tung-pun_ comes the _Rupun_, a kind of adjutant-general; then the _Dah-pun_, or great officer; and highest of all, the _Mag-pun_ (or _Mag-bun_, as it is usually pronounced), the general in chief. The acquaintance of one of these generals we had already made at Gyanema. Though my informant said that officers are elected for their bravery in time of war and for their strength and aptitude in the saddle and with their weapons, I knew well enough that such was not the case. The posts are mainly given to whoever can afford to pay most for them, and to men of families under special protection of the Lamas. In many cases they are actually sold by auction. [Illustration: LEATHER HORSE-WHIP] The method described by the Rupun was nevertheless what is popularly believed by the masses of Tibet to be the way in which military officers are chosen. [29] _Tchu_, ten, _pun_, officer, or officer of ten men. [30] _Kiatsamba_ or _Kia_ = one hundred. [31] _Tung_ = one thousand. CHAPTER LXXIX Sarcasm appreciated--Kindness--A change for the worse--The place for an Englishman--Vermin--A Tibetan prayer. THE Rupun possessed a good deal of dry humour, and I told him how fast the Tibetan soldiers had run away on previous occasions when I had met them and had my rifle by me. But he was quite equal to the situation and exclaimed: "Yes, I know that they ran, but it was not through fear. It was because they did not wish to hurt you." Upon which I answered that, if that were the case, they need not have run so fast. The Rupun seemed amused and laughed at my sarcasm. He patted me on the back and said I was right. He professed to be grieved to see me tied up, and said he had received strict orders not to give me food or unloose my bonds. [Illustration: CHARM-BOX] The soldiers, who had been listening open-mouthed to the affable and friendly conversation between the Rupun and myself, a practice not common in Tibet between captor and prisoner, followed their chief's example, and from being harsh and rough, turned quite kindly and respectful. They placed a cushion under me and tried to make me as comfortable as they could in the circumstances.