sun began to shine fitfully, and the snow to melt from sunny spots, so we hastened back to sketch. Scarcely were we settled when the gorge began to resound with periodic whistle calls, and then we saw men in a kind of blue uniform, and each with a scarlet blanket slung across one shoulder, beginning to ascend the temple steps. They continued to arrive till the whole place was swarming with them, and finally we saw our little platform invaded. It seemed time to interfere, so my friend went back and told our servant we could not possibly have them established in our outer room, which was already full of their things, and strewn with orange peel; for the time being remonstrance was effectual, but after a short evacuation they returned and took fresh possession. I then went to the charge and told Jim to send them away. He went instead to fetch an official in European tourist’s dress, with field-glasses slung over his shoulder, and to my surprise he spoke excellent English. He explained that this was a party of one hundred students from a commercial college at New Chwang who had come for an excursion, and were going to spend three days here. I pointed out that these rooms had been engaged for us before we came, and that it was impossible for us to have people filling the outer one, our only means of exit. He asked if we should object to having a party of little boys in it, and we said we certainly did object, and that for this night they must sleep elsewhere. He promised to arrange it so, and all their things were taken away, leaving us in peace and content. Alas! it was only for an hour; then he returned to say that they had sent to try and find accommodation in another monastery but in vain; that the carts had arrived bringing the little boys who were _very_ tired, and he begged they might have our outer room, promising they should be quite quiet. We were compelled to give in, though sorely against our will, as the next day we were starting on a long journey to Kharbin, not to mention the fatiguing six hours’ cart journey. I must admit that the boys behaved perfectly: they came in like mice, and were sound asleep before we knew they had arrived: only gentle snores proclaimed their presence. In the morning they were up and out by 5.30 in perfect silence. As we started at 6 o’clock we could only admire the excellent discipline and good manners which they displayed, and almost regret that we had not seen more of them.