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diff --git a/2067-h/2067-h.htm b/2067-h/2067-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d49cab9 --- /dev/null +++ b/2067-h/2067-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10255 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Beasts, Men and Gods, by Ferdinand Ossendowski + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Beasts, Men and Gods, by Ferdinand Ossendowski + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Beasts, Men and Gods + +Author: Ferdinand Ossendowski + +Translator: Lewis Stanton Palen + +Release Date: May 13, 2006 [EBook #2067] +Last Updated: November 17, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEASTS, MEN AND GODS *** + + + + +Produced by Donald Lainson; David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + BEASTS, MEN AND GODS + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Ferdinand Ossendowski + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + EXPLANATORY NOTE + </h2> + <p> + When one of the leading publicists in America, Dr. Albert Shaw of the + Review of Reviews, after reading the manuscript of Part I of this volume, + characterized the author as “The Robinson Crusoe of the Twentieth + Century,” he touched the feature of the narrative which is at once most + attractive and most dangerous; for the succession of trying and thrilling + experiences recorded seems in places too highly colored to be real or, + sometimes, even possible in this day and generation. I desire, therefore, + to assure the reader at the outset that Dr. Ossendowski is a man of long + and diverse experience as a scientist and writer with a training for + careful observation which should put the stamp of accuracy and reliability + on his chronicle. Only the extraordinary events of these extraordinary + times could have thrown one with so many talents back into the + surroundings of the “Cave Man” and thus given to us this unusual account + of personal adventure, of great human mysteries and of the political and + religious motives which are energizing the “Heart of Asia.” + </p> + <p> + My share in the work has been to induce Dr. Ossendowski to write his story + at this time and to assist him in rendering his experiences into English. + </p> + <p> + LEWIS STANTON PALEN. <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> EXPLANATORY NOTE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> <big><b>BEASTS, MEN AND GODS</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART1"> <b>Part I: DRAWING LOTS WITH DEATH</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART2"> <b>Part II: THE LAND OF DEMONS</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART3"> <b>Part III: THE STRAINING HEART OF ASIA</b> + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART4"> <b>Part IV: THE LIVING BUDDHA</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART5"> <b>Part V: MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES—THE KING + OF THE WORLD</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLIX </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_GLOS"> <b>GLOSSARY</b> </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + There are times, men and events about which History alone can record the + final judgments; contemporaries and individual observers must only write + what they have seen and heard. The very truth demands it. + </p> + <p> + TITUS LIVIUS. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BEASTS, MEN AND GODS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART1" id="link2H_PART1"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Part I + </h2> + <h3> + DRAWING LOTS WITH DEATH + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <h3> + INTO THE FORESTS + </h3> + <p> + In the beginning of the year 1920 I happened to be living in the Siberian + town of Krasnoyarsk, situated on the shores of the River Yenisei, that + noble stream which is cradled in the sun-bathed mountains of Mongolia to + pour its warming life into the Arctic Ocean and to whose mouth Nansen has + twice come to open the shortest road for commerce from Europe to the heart + of Asia. There in the depths of the still Siberian winter I was suddenly + caught up in the whirling storm of mad revolution raging all over Russia, + sowing in this peaceful and rich land vengeance, hate, bloodshed and + crimes that go unpunished by the law. No one could tell the hour of his + fate. The people lived from day to day and left their homes not knowing + whether they should return to them or whether they should be dragged from + the streets and thrown into the dungeons of that travesty of courts, the + Revolutionary Committee, more terrible and more bloody than those of the + Mediaeval Inquisition. We who were strangers in this distraught land were + not saved from its persecutions and I personally lived through them. + </p> + <p> + One morning, when I had gone out to see a friend, I suddenly received the + news that twenty Red soldiers had surrounded my house to arrest me and + that I must escape. I quickly put on one of my friend’s old hunting suits, + took some money and hurried away on foot along the back ways of the town + till I struck the open road, where I engaged a peasant, who in four hours + had driven me twenty miles from the town and set me down in the midst of a + deeply forested region. On the way I bought a rifle, three hundred + cartridges, an ax, a knife, a sheepskin overcoat, tea, salt, dry bread and + a kettle. I penetrated into the heart of the wood to an abandoned + half-burned hut. From this day I became a genuine trapper but I never + dreamed that I should follow this role as long as I did. The next morning + I went hunting and had the good fortune to kill two heathcock. I found + deer tracks in plenty and felt sure that I should not want for food. + However, my sojourn in this place was not for long. Five days later when I + returned from hunting I noticed smoke curling up out of the chimney of my + hut. I stealthily crept along closer to the cabin and discovered two + saddled horses with soldiers’ rifles slung to the saddles. Two disarmed + men were not dangerous for me with a weapon, so I quickly rushed across + the open and entered the hut. From the bench two soldiers started up in + fright. They were Bolsheviki. On their big Astrakhan caps I made out the + red stars of Bolshevism and on their blouses the dirty red bands. We + greeted each other and sat down. The soldiers had already prepared tea and + so we drank this ever welcome hot beverage and chatted, suspiciously + eyeing one another the while. To disarm this suspicion on their part, I + told them that I was a hunter from a distant place and was living there + because I found it good country for sables. They announced to me that they + were soldiers of a detachment sent from a town into the woods to pursue + all suspicious people. + </p> + <p> + “Do you understand, ‘Comrade,’” said one of them to me, “we are looking + for counter-revolutionists to shoot them?” + </p> + <p> + I knew it without his explanations. All my forces were directed to + assuring them by my conduct that I was a simple peasant hunter and that I + had nothing in common with the counter-revolutionists. I was thinking also + all the time of where I should go after the departure of my unwelcome + guests. It grew dark. In the darkness their faces were even less + attractive. They took out bottles of vodka and drank and the alcohol began + to act very noticeably. They talked loudly and constantly interrupted each + other, boasting how many bourgeoisie they had killed in Krasnoyarsk and + how many Cossacks they had slid under the ice in the river. Afterwards + they began to quarrel but soon they were tired and prepared to sleep. All + of a sudden and without any warning the door of the hut swung wide open + and the steam of the heated room rolled out in a great cloud, out of which + seemed to rise like a genie, as the steam settled, the figure of a tall, + gaunt peasant impressively crowned with the high Astrakhan cap and wrapped + in the great sheepskin overcoat that added to the massiveness of his + figure. He stood with his rifle ready to fire. Under his girdle lay the + sharp ax without which the Siberian peasant cannot exist. Eyes, quick and + glimmering like those of a wild beast, fixed themselves alternately on + each of us. In a moment he took off his cap, made the sign of the cross on + his breast and asked of us: “Who is the master here?” + </p> + <p> + I answered him. + </p> + <p> + “May I stop the night?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I replied, “places enough for all. Take a cup of tea. It is still + hot.” + </p> + <p> + The stranger, running his eyes constantly over all of us and over + everything about the room, began to take off his skin coat after putting + his rifle in the corner. He was dressed in an old leather blouse with + trousers of the same material tucked in high felt boots. His face was + quite young, fine and tinged with something akin to mockery. His white, + sharp teeth glimmered as his eyes penetrated everything they rested upon. + I noticed the locks of grey in his shaggy head. Lines of bitterness + circled his mouth. They showed his life had been very stormy and full of + danger. He took a seat beside his rifle and laid his ax on the floor + below. + </p> + <p> + “What? Is it your wife?” asked one of the drunken soldiers, pointing to + the ax. + </p> + <p> + The tall peasant looked calmly at him from the quiet eyes under their + heavy brows and as calmly answered: + </p> + <p> + “One meets a different folk these days and with an ax it is much safer.” + </p> + <p> + He began to drink tea very greedily, while his eyes looked at me many + times with sharp inquiry in them and ran often round the whole cabin in + search of the answer to his doubts. Very slowly and with a guarded drawl + he answered all the questions of the soldiers between gulps of the hot + tea, then he turned his glass upside down as evidence of having finished, + placed on the top of it the small lump of sugar left and remarked to the + soldiers: + </p> + <p> + “I am going out to look after my horse and will unsaddle your horses for + you also.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” exclaimed the half-sleeping young soldier, “bring in our + rifles as well.” + </p> + <p> + The soldiers were lying on the benches and thus left for us only the + floor. The stranger soon came back, brought the rifles and set them in the + dark corner. He dropped the saddle pads on the floor, sat down on them and + began to take off his boots. The soldiers and my guest soon were snoring + but I did not sleep for thinking of what next to do. Finally as dawn was + breaking, I dozed off only to awake in the broad daylight and find my + stranger gone. I went outside the hut and discovered him saddling a fine + bay stallion. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going away?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I want to go together with these —— comrades,’” he + whispered, “and afterwards I shall come back.” + </p> + <p> + I did not ask him anything further and told him only that I would wait for + him. He took off the bags that had been hanging on his saddle, put them + away out of sight in the burned corner of the cabin, looked over the + stirrups and bridle and, as he finished saddling, smiled and said: + </p> + <p> + “I am ready. I’m going to awake my ‘comrades.’” Half an hour after the + morning drink of tea, my three guests took their leave. I remained out of + doors and was engaged in splitting wood for my stove. Suddenly, from a + distance, rifle shots rang through the woods, first one, then a second. + Afterwards all was still. From the place near the shots a frightened covey + of blackcock broke and came over me. At the top of a high pine a jay cried + out. I listened for a long time to see if anyone was approaching my hut + but everything was still. + </p> + <p> + On the lower Yenisei it grows dark very early. I built a fire in my stove + and began to cook my soup, constantly listening for every noise that came + from beyond the cabin walls. Certainly I understood at all times very + clearly that death was ever beside me and might claim me by means of + either man, beast, cold, accident or disease. I knew that nobody was near + me to assist and that all my help was in the hands of God, in the power of + my hands and feet, in the accuracy of my aim and in my presence of mind. + However, I listened in vain. I did not notice the return of my stranger. + Like yesterday he appeared all at once on the threshold. Through the steam + I made out his laughing eyes and his fine face. He stepped into the hut + and dropped with a good deal of noise three rifles into the corner. + </p> + <p> + “Two horses, two rifles, two saddles, two boxes of dry bread, half a brick + of tea, a small bag of salt, fifty cartridges, two overcoats, two pairs of + boots,” laughingly he counted out. “In truth today I had a very successful + hunt.” + </p> + <p> + In astonishment I looked at him. + </p> + <p> + “What are you surprised at?” he laughed. “Komu nujny eti tovarischi? Who’s + got any use for these fellows? Let us have tea and go to sleep. Tomorrow I + will guide you to another safer place and then go on.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <h3> + THE SECRET OF MY FELLOW TRAVELER + </h3> + <p> + At the dawn of day we started forth, leaving my first place of refuge. + Into the bags we packed our personal estate and fastened them on one of + the saddles. + </p> + <p> + “We must go four or five hundred versts,” very calmly announced my fellow + traveler, who called himself “Ivan,” a name that meant nothing to my mind + or heart in this land where every second man bore the same. + </p> + <p> + “We shall travel then for a very long time,” I remarked regretfully. + </p> + <p> + “Not more than one week, perhaps even less,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + That night we spent in the woods under the wide spreading branches of the + fir trees. It was my first night in the forest under the open sky. How + many like this I was destined to spend in the year and a half of my + wanderings! During the day there was very sharp cold. Under the hoofs of + the horses the frozen snow crunched and the balls that formed and broke + from their hoofs rolled away over the crust with a sound like crackling + glass. The heathcock flew from the trees very idly, hares loped slowly + down the beds of summer streams. At night the wind began to sigh and + whistle as it bent the tops of the trees over our heads; while below it + was still and calm. We stopped in a deep ravine bordered by heavy trees, + where we found fallen firs, cut them into logs for the fire and, after + having boiled our tea, dined. + </p> + <p> + Ivan dragged in two tree trunks, squared them on one side with his ax, + laid one on the other with the squared faces together and then drove in a + big wedge at the butt ends which separated them three or four inches. Then + we placed live coals in this opening and watched the fire run rapidly the + whole length of the squared faces vis-a-vis. + </p> + <p> + “Now there will be a fire in the morning,” he announced. “This is the + ‘naida’ of the gold prospectors. We prospectors wandering in the woods + summer and winter always sleep beside this ‘naida.’ Fine! You shall see + for yourself,” he continued. + </p> + <p> + He cut fir branches and made a sloping roof out of them, resting it on two + uprights toward the naida. Above our roof of boughs and our naida spread + the branches of protecting fir. More branches were brought and spread on + the snow under the roof, on these were placed the saddle cloths and + together they made a seat for Ivan to rest on and to take off his outer + garments down to his blouse. Soon I noticed his forehead was wet with + perspiration and that he was wiping it and his neck on his sleeves. + </p> + <p> + “Now it is good and warm!” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + In a short time I was also forced to take off my overcoat and soon lay + down to sleep without any covering at all, while through the branches of + the fir trees and our roof glimmered the cold bright stars and just beyond + the naida raged a stinging cold, from which we were cosily defended. After + this night I was no longer frightened by the cold. Frozen during the days + on horseback, I was thoroughly warmed through by the genial naida at night + and rested from my heavy overcoat, sitting only in my blouse under the + roofs of pine and fir and sipping the ever welcome tea. + </p> + <p> + During our daily treks Ivan related to me the stories of his wanderings + through the mountains and woods of Transbaikalia in the search for gold. + These stories were very lively, full of attractive adventure, danger and + struggle. Ivan was a type of these prospectors who have discovered in + Russia, and perhaps in other countries, the richest gold mines, while they + themselves remain beggars. He evaded telling me why he left Transbaikalia + to come to the Yenisei. I understood from his manner that he wished to + keep his own counsel and so did not press him. However, the blanket of + secrecy covering this part of his mysterious life was one day quite + fortuitously lifted a bit. We were already at the objective point of our + trip. The whole day we had traveled with difficulty through a thick growth + of willow, approaching the shore of the big right branch of the Yenisei, + the Mana. Everywhere we saw runways packed hard by the feet of the hares + living in this bush. These small white denizens of the wood ran to and fro + in front of us. Another time we saw the red tail of a fox hiding behind a + rock, watching us and the unsuspecting hares at the same time. + </p> + <p> + Ivan had been silent for a long while. Then he spoke up and told me that + not far from there was a small branch of the Mana, at the mouth of which + was a hut. + </p> + <p> + “What do you say? Shall we push on there or spend the night by the naida?” + </p> + <p> + I suggested going to the hut, because I wanted to wash and because it + would be agreeable to spend the night under a genuine roof again. Ivan + knitted his brows but acceded. + </p> + <p> + It was growing dark when we approached a hut surrounded by the dense wood + and wild raspberry bushes. It contained one small room with two + microscopic windows and a gigantic Russian stove. Against the building + were the remains of a shed and a cellar. We fired the stove and prepared + our modest dinner. Ivan drank from the bottle inherited from the soldiers + and in a short time was very eloquent, with brilliant eyes and with hands + that coursed frequently and rapidly through his long locks. He began + relating to me the story of one of his adventures, but suddenly stopped + and, with fear in his eyes, squinted into a dark corner. + </p> + <p> + “Is it a rat?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I did not see anything,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + He again became silent and reflected with knitted brow. Often we were + silent through long hours and consequently I was not astonished. Ivan + leaned over near to me and began to whisper. + </p> + <p> + “I want to tell you an old story. I had a friend in Transbaikalia. He was + a banished convict. His name was Gavronsky. Through many woods and over + many mountains we traveled in search of gold and we had an agreement to + divide all we got into even shares. But Gavronsky suddenly went out to the + ‘Taiga’ on the Yenisei and disappeared. After five years we heard that he + had found a very rich gold mine and had become a rich man; then later that + he and his wife with him had been murdered. . . .” Ivan was still for a + moment and then continued: + </p> + <p> + “This is their old hut. Here he lived with his wife and somewhere on this + river he took out his gold. But he told nobody where. All the peasants + around here know that he had a lot of money in the bank and that he had + been selling gold to the Government. Here they were murdered.” + </p> + <p> + Ivan stepped to the stove, took out a flaming stick and, bending over, + lighted a spot on the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Do you see these spots on the floor and on the wall? It is their blood, + the blood of Gavronsky. They died but they did not disclose the + whereabouts of the gold. It was taken out of a deep hole which they had + drifted into the bank of the river and was hidden in the cellar under the + shed. But Gavronsky gave nothing away. . . . AND LORD HOW I TORTURED THEM! + I burned them with fire; I bent back their fingers; I gouged out their + eyes; but Gavronsky died in silence.” + </p> + <p> + He thought for a moment, then quickly said to me: + </p> + <p> + “I have heard all this from the peasants.” He threw the log into the stove + and flopped down on the bench. “It’s time to sleep,” he snapped out, and + was still. + </p> + <p> + I listened for a long time to his breathing and his whispering to himself, + as he turned from one side to the other and smoked his pipe. + </p> + <p> + In the morning we left this scene of so much suffering and crime and on + the seventh day of our journey we came to the dense cedar wood growing on + the foothills of a long chain of mountains. + </p> + <p> + “From here,” Ivan explained to me, “it is eighty versts to the next + peasant settlement. The people come to these woods to gather cedar nuts + but only in the autumn. Before then you will not meet anyone. Also you + will find many birds and beasts and a plentiful supply of nuts, so that it + will be possible for you to live here. Do you see this river? When you + want to find the peasants, follow along this stream and it will guide you + to them.” + </p> + <p> + Ivan helped me build my mud hut. But it was not the genuine mud hut. It + was one formed by the tearing out of the roots of a great cedar, that had + probably fallen in some wild storm, which made for me the deep hole as the + room for my house and flanked this on one side with a wall of mud held + fast among the upturned roots. Overhanging ones formed also the framework + into which we interlaced the poles and branches to make a roof, finished + off with stones for stability and snow for warmth. The front of the hut + was ever open but was constantly protected by the guardian naida. In that + snow-covered den I spent two months like summer without seeing any other + human being and without touch with the outer world where such important + events were transpiring. In that grave under the roots of the fallen tree + I lived before the face of nature with my trials and my anxiety about my + family as my constant companions, and in the hard struggle for my life. + Ivan went off the second day, leaving for me a bag of dry bread and a + little sugar. I never saw him again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <h3> + THE STRUGGLE FOR LIFE + </h3> + <p> + Then I was alone. Around me only the wood of eternally green cedars + covered with snow, the bare bushes, the frozen river and, as far as I + could see out through the branches and the trunks of the trees, only the + great ocean of cedars and snow. Siberian taiga! How long shall I be forced + to live here? Will the Bolsheviki find me here or not? Will my friends + know where I am? What is happening to my family? These questions were + constantly as burning fires in my brain. Soon I understood why Ivan guided + me so long. We passed many secluded places on the journey, far away from + all people, where Ivan could have safely left me but he always said that + he would take me to a place where it would be easier to live. And it was + so. The charm of my lone refuge was in the cedar wood and in the mountains + covered with these forests which stretched to every horizon. The cedar is + a splendid, powerful tree with wide-spreading branches, an eternally green + tent, attracting to its shelter every living being. Among the cedars was + always effervescent life. There the squirrels were continually kicking up + a row, jumping from tree to tree; the nut-jobbers cried shrilly; a flock + of bullfinches with carmine breasts swept through the trees like a flame; + or a small army of goldfinches broke in and filled the amphitheatre of + trees with their whistling; a hare scooted from one tree trunk to another + and behind him stole up the hardly visible shadow of a white ermine, + crawling on the snow, and I watched for a long time the black spot which I + knew to be the tip of his tail; carefully treading the hard crusted snow + approached a noble deer; at last there visited me from the top of the + mountain the king of the Siberian forest, the brown bear. All this + distracted me and carried away the black thoughts from my brain, + encouraging me to persevere. It was good for me also, though difficult, to + climb to the top of my mountain, which reached up out of the forest and + from which I could look away to the range of red on the horizon. It was + the red cliff on the farther bank of the Yenisei. There lay the country, + the towns, the enemies and the friends; and there was even the point which + I located as the place of my family. It was the reason why Ivan had guided + me here. And as the days in this solitude slipped by I began to miss + sorely this companion who, though the murderer of Gavronsky, had taken + care of me like a father, always saddling my horse for me, cutting the + wood and doing everything to make me comfortable. He had spent many + winters alone with nothing except his thoughts, face to face with nature—I + should say, before the face of God. He had tried the horrors of solitude + and had acquired facility in bearing them. I thought sometimes, if I had + to meet my end in this place, that I would spend my last strength to drag + myself to the top of the mountain to die there, looking away over the + infinite sea of mountains and forest toward the point where my loved ones + were. + </p> + <p> + However, the same life gave me much matter for reflection and yet more + occupation for the physical side. It was a continuous struggle for + existence, hard and severe. The hardest work was the preparation of the + big logs for the naida. The fallen trunks of the trees were covered with + snow and frozen to the ground. I was forced to dig them out and + afterwards, with the help of a long stick as a lever, to move them from + their place. For facilitating this work I chose the mountain for my + supplies, where, although difficult to climb, it was easy to roll the logs + down. Soon I made a splendid discovery. I found near my den a great + quantity of larch, this beautiful yet sad forest giant, fallen during a + big storm. The trunks were covered with snow but remained attached to + their stumps, where they had broken off. When I cut into these stumps with + the ax, the head buried itself and could with difficulty be drawn and, + investigating the reason, I found them filled with pitch. Chips of this + wood needed only a spark to set them aflame and ever afterward I always + had a stock of them to light up quickly for warming my hands on returning + from the hunt or for boiling my tea. + </p> + <p> + The greater part of my days was occupied with the hunt. I came to + understand that I must distribute my work over every day, for it + distracted me from my sad and depressing thoughts. Generally, after my + morning tea, I went into the forest to seek heathcock or blackcock. After + killing one or two I began to prepare my dinner, which never had an + extensive menu. It was constantly game soup with a handful of dried bread + and afterwards endless cups of tea, this essential beverage of the woods. + Once, during my search for birds, I heard a rustle in the dense shrubs + and, carefully peering about, I discovered the points of a deer’s horns. I + crawled along toward the spot but the watchful animal heard my approach. + With a great noise he rushed from the bush and I saw him very clearly, + after he had run about three hundred steps, stop on the slope of the + mountain. It was a splendid animal with dark grey coat, with almost a + black spine and as large as a small cow. I laid my rifle across a branch + and fired. The animal made a great leap, ran several steps and fell. With + all my strength I ran to him but he got up again and half jumped, half + dragged himself up the mountain. The second shot stopped him. I had won a + warm carpet for my den and a large stock of meat. The horns I fastened up + among the branches of my wall, where they made a fine hat rack. + </p> + <p> + I cannot forget one very interesting but wild picture, which was staged + for me several kilometres from my den. There was a small swamp covered + with grass and cranberries scattered through it, where the blackcock and + sand partridges usually came to feed on the berries. I approached + noiselessly behind the bushes and saw a whole flock of blackcock + scratching in the snow and picking out the berries. While I was surveying + this scene, suddenly one of the blackcock jumped up and the rest of the + frightened flock immediately flew away. To my astonishment the first bird + began going straight up in a spiral flight and afterwards dropped directly + down dead. When I approached there sprang from the body of the slain cock + a rapacious ermine that hid under the trunk of a fallen tree. The bird’s + neck was badly torn. I then understood that the ermine had charged the + cock, fastened itself on his neck and had been carried by the bird into + the air, as he sucked the blood from its throat, and had been the cause of + the heavy fall back to the earth. Thanks to his aeronautic ability I saved + one cartridge. + </p> + <p> + So I lived fighting for the morrow and more and more poisoned by hard and + bitter thoughts. The days and weeks passed and soon I felt the breath of + warmer winds. On the open places the snow began to thaw. In spots the + little rivulets of water appeared. Another day I saw a fly or a spider + awakened after the hard winter. The spring was coming. I realized that in + spring it was impossible to go out from the forest. Every river overflowed + its banks; the swamps became impassable; all the runways of the animals + turned into beds for streams of running water. I understood that until + summer I was condemned to a continuation of my solitude. Spring very + quickly came into her rights and soon my mountain was free from snow and + was covered only with stones, the trunks of birch and aspen trees and the + high cones of ant hills; the river in places broke its covering of ice and + was coursing full with foam and bubbles. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <h3> + A FISHERMAN + </h3> + <p> + One day during the hunt, I approached the bank of the river and noticed + many very large fish with red backs, as though filled with blood. They + were swimming on the surface enjoying the rays of the sun. When the river + was entirely free from ice, these fish appeared in enormous quantities. + Soon I realized that they were working up-stream for the spawning season + in the smaller rivers. I thought to use a plundering method of catching, + forbidden by the law of all countries; but all the lawyers and legislators + should be lenient to one who lives in a den under the roots of a fallen + tree and dares to break their rational laws. + </p> + <p> + Gathering many thin birch and aspen trees I built in the bed of the stream + a weir which the fish could not pass and soon I found them trying to jump + over it. Near the bank I left a hole in my barrier about eighteen inches + below the surface and fastened on the up-stream side a high basket plaited + from soft willow twigs, into which the fish came as they passed the hole. + Then I stood cruelly by and hit them on the head with a strong stick. All + my catch were over thirty pounds, some more than eighty. This variety of + fish is called the taimen, is of the trout family and is the best in the + Yenisei. + </p> + <p> + After two weeks the fish had passed and my basket gave me no more + treasure, so I began anew the hunt. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <h3> + A DANGEROUS NEIGHBOR + </h3> + <p> + The hunt became more and more profitable and enjoyable, as spring animated + everything. In the morning at the break of day the forest was full of + voices, strange and undiscernible to the inhabitant of the town. There the + heathcock clucked and sang his song of love, as he sat on the top branches + of the cedar and admired the grey hen scratching in the fallen leaves + below. It was very easy to approach this full-feathered Caruso and with a + shot to bring him down from his more poetic to his more utilitarian + duties. His going out was an euthanasia, for he was in love and heard + nothing. Out in the clearing the blackcocks with their wide-spread spotted + tails were fighting, while the hens strutting near, craning and + chattering, probably some gossip about their fighting swains, watched and + were delighted with them. From the distance flowed in a stern and deep + roar, yet full of tenderness and love, the mating call of the deer; while + from the crags above came down the short and broken voice of the mountain + buck. Among the bushes frolicked the hares and often near them a red fox + lay flattened to the ground watching his chance. I never heard any wolves + and they are usually not found in the Siberian regions covered with + mountains and forest. + </p> + <p> + But there was another beast, who was my neighbor, and one of us had to go + away. One day, coming back from the hunt with a big heathcock, I suddenly + noticed among the trees a black, moving mass. I stopped and, looking very + attentively, saw a bear, digging away at an ant-hill. Smelling me, he + snorted violently, and very quickly shuffled away, astonishing me with the + speed of his clumsy gait. The following morning, while still lying under + my overcoat, I was attracted by a noise behind my den. I peered out very + carefully and discovered the bear. He stood on his hind legs and was + noisily sniffing, investigating the question as to what living creature + had adopted the custom of the bears of housing during the winter under the + trunks of fallen trees. I shouted and struck my kettle with the ax. My + early visitor made off with all his energy; but his visit did not please + me. It was very early in the spring that this occurred and the bear should + not yet have left his hibernating place. He was the so-called “ant-eater,” + an abnormal type of bear lacking in all the etiquette of the first + families of the bear clan. + </p> + <p> + I knew that the “ant-eaters” were very irritable and audacious and quickly + I prepared myself for both the defence and the charge. My preparations + were short. I rubbed off the ends of five of my cartridges, thus making + dum-dums out of them, a sufficiently intelligible argument for so + unwelcome a guest. Putting on my coat I went to the place where I had + first met the bear and where there were many ant-hills. I made a detour of + the whole mountain, looked in all the ravines but nowhere found my caller. + Disappointed and tired, I was approaching my shelter quite off my guard + when I suddenly discovered the king of the forest himself just coming out + of my lowly dwelling and sniffing all around the entrance to it. I shot. + The bullet pierced his side. He roared with pain and anger and stood up on + his hind legs. As the second bullet broke one of these, he squatted down + but immediately, dragging the leg and endeavoring to stand upright, moved + to attack me. Only the third bullet in his breast stopped him. He weighed + about two hundred to two hundred fifty pounds, as near as I could guess, + and was very tasty. He appeared at his best in cutlets but only a little + less wonderful in the Hamburg steaks which I rolled and roasted on hot + stones, watching them swell out into great balls that were as light as the + finest souffle omelettes we used to have at the “Medved” in Petrograd. On + this welcome addition to my larder I lived from then until the ground + dried out and the stream ran down enough so that I could travel down along + the river to the country whither Ivan had directed me. + </p> + <p> + Ever traveling with the greatest precautions I made the journey down along + the river on foot, carrying from my winter quarters all my household + furniture and goods, wrapped up in the deerskin bag which I formed by + tying the legs together in an awkward knot; and thus laden fording the + small streams and wading through the swamps that lay across my path. After + fifty odd miles of this I came to the country called Sifkova, where I + found the cabin of a peasant named Tropoff, located closest to the forest + that came to be my natural environment. With him I lived for a time. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Now in these unimaginable surroundings of safety and peace, summing up the + total of my experience in the Siberian taiga, I make the following + deductions. In every healthy spiritual individual of our times, occasions + of necessity resurrect the traits of primitive man, hunter and warrior, + and help him in the struggle with nature. It is the prerogative of the man + with the trained mind and spirit over the untrained, who does not possess + sufficient science and will power to carry him through. But the price that + the cultured man must pay is that for him there exists nothing more awful + than absolute solitude and the knowledge of complete isolation from human + society and the life of moral and aesthetic culture. One step, one moment + of weakness and dark madness will seize a man and carry him to inevitable + destruction. I spent awful days of struggle with the cold and hunger but I + passed more terrible days in the struggle of the will to kill weakening + destructive thoughts. The memories of these days freeze my heart and mind + and even now, as I revive them so clearly by writing of my experiences, + they throw me back into a state of fear and apprehension. Moreover, I am + compelled to observe that the people in highly civilized states give too + little regard to the training that is useful to man in primitive + conditions, in conditions incident to the struggle against nature for + existence. It is the single normal way to develop a new generation of + strong, healthy, iron men, with at the same time sensitive souls. + </p> + <p> + Nature destroys the weak but helps the strong, awakening in the soul + emotions which remain dormant under the urban conditions of modern life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + A RIVER IN TRAVAIL + </h3> + <p> + My presence in the Sifkova country was not for long but I used it in full + measure. First, I sent a man in whom I had confidence and whom I + considered trustworthy to my friends in the town that I had left and + received from them linen, boots, money and a small case of first aid + materials and essential medicines, and, what was most important, a + passport in another name, since I was dead for the Bolsheviki. Secondly, + in these more or less favorable conditions I reflected upon the plan for + my future actions. Soon in Sifkova the people heard that the Bolshevik + commissar would come for the requisition of cattle for the Red Army. It + was dangerous to remain longer. I waited only until the Yenisei should + lose its massive lock of ice, which kept it sealed long after the small + rivulets had opened and the trees had taken on their spring foliage. For + one thousand roubles I engaged a fisherman who agreed to take me + fifty-five miles up the river to an abandoned gold mine as soon as the + river, which had then only opened in places, should be entirely clear of + ice. At last one morning I heard a deafening roar like a tremendous + cannonade and ran out to find the river had lifted its great bulk of ice + and then given way to break it up. I rushed on down to the bank, where I + witnessed an awe-inspiring but magnificent scene. The river had brought + down the great volume of ice that had been dislodged in the south and was + carrying it northward under the thick layer which still covered parts of + the stream until finally its weight had broken the winter dam to the north + and released the whole grand mass in one last rush for the Arctic. The + Yenisei, “Father Yenisei,” “Hero Yenisei,” is one of the longest rivers in + Asia, deep and magnificent, especially through the middle range of its + course, where it is flanked and held in canyon-like by great towering + ranges. The huge stream had brought down whole miles of ice fields, + breaking them up on the rapids and on isolated rocks, twisting them with + angry swirls, throwing up sections of the black winter roads, carrying + down the tepees built for the use of passing caravans which in the Winter + always go from Minnusinsk to Krasnoyarsk on the frozen river. From time to + time the stream stopped in its flow, the roar began and the great fields + of ice were squeezed and piled upward, sometimes as high as thirty feet, + damming up the water behind, so that it rapidly rose and ran out over the + low places, casting on the shore great masses of ice. Then the power of + the reinforced waters conquered the towering dam of ice and carried it + downward with a sound like breaking glass. At the bends in the river and + round the great rocks developed terrifying chaos. Huge blocks of ice + jammed and jostled until some were thrown clear into the air, crashing + against others already there, or were hurled against the curving cliffs + and banks, tearing out boulders, earth and trees high up the sides. All + along the low embankments this giant of nature flung upward with a + suddenness that leaves man but a pigmy in force a great wall of ice + fifteen to twenty feet high, which the peasants call “Zaberega” and + through which they cannot get to the river without cutting out a road. One + incredible feat I saw the giant perform, when a block many feet thick and + many yards square was hurled through the air and dropped to crush saplings + and little trees more than a half hundred feet from the bank. + </p> + <p> + Watching this glorious withdrawal of the ice, I was filled with terror and + revolt at seeing the awful spoils which the Yenisei bore away in this + annual retreat. These were the bodies of the executed + counter-revolutionaries—officers, soldiers and Cossacks of the + former army of the Superior Governor of all anti-Bolshevik Russia, Admiral + Kolchak. They were the results of the bloody work of the “Cheka” at + Minnusinsk. Hundreds of these bodies with heads and hands cut off, with + mutilated faces and bodies half burned, with broken skulls, floated and + mingled with the blocks of ice, looking for their graves; or, turning in + the furious whirlpools among the jagged blocks, they were ground and torn + to pieces into shapeless masses, which the river, nauseated with its task, + vomited out upon the islands and projecting sand bars. I passed the whole + length of the middle Yenisei and constantly came across these putrifying + and terrifying reminders of the work of the Bolsheviki. In one place at a + turn of the river I saw a great heap of horses, which had been cast up by + the ice and current, in number not less than three hundred. A verst below + there I was sickened beyond endurance by the discovery of a grove of + willows along the bank which had raked from the polluted stream and held + in their finger-like drooping branches human bodies in all shapes and + attitudes with a semblance of naturalness which made an everlasting + picture on my distraught mind. Of this pitiful gruesome company I counted + seventy. + </p> + <p> + At last the mountain of ice passed by, followed by the muddy freshets that + carried down the trunks of fallen trees, logs and bodies, bodies, bodies. + The fisherman and his son put me and my luggage into their dugout made + from an aspen tree and poled upstream along the bank. Poling in a swift + current is very hard work. At the sharp curves we were compelled to row, + struggling against the force of the stream and even in places hugging the + cliffs and making headway only by clutching the rocks with our hands and + dragging along slowly. Sometimes it took us a long while to do five or six + metres through these rapid holes. In two days we reached the goal of our + journey. I spent several days in this gold mine, where the watchman and + his family were living. As they were short of food, they had nothing to + spare for me and consequently my rifle again served to nourish me, as well + as contributing something to my hosts. One day there appeared here a + trained agriculturalist. I did not hide because during my winter in the + woods I had raised a heavy beard, so that probably my own mother could not + have recognized me. However, our guest was very shrewd and at once + deciphered me. I did not fear him because I saw that he was not a + Bolshevik and later had confirmation of this. We found common + acquaintances and a common viewpoint on current events. He lived close to + the gold mine in a small village where he superintended public works. We + determined to escape together from Russia. For a long time I had puzzled + over this matter and now my plan was ready. Knowing the position in + Siberia and its geography, I decided that the best way to safety was + through Urianhai, the northern part of Mongolia on the head waters of the + Yenisei, then through Mongolia and out to the Far East and the Pacific. + Before the overthrow of the Kolchak Government I had received a commission + to investigate Urianhai and Western Mongolia and then, with great + accuracy, I studied all the maps and literature I could get on this + question. To accomplish this audacious plan I had the great incentive of + my own safety. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <h3> + THROUGH SOVIET SIBERIA + </h3> + <p> + After several days we started through the forest on the left bank of the + Yenisei toward the south, avoiding the villages as much as possible in + fear of leaving some trail by which we might be followed. Whenever we did + have to go into them, we had a good reception at the hands of the + peasants, who did not penetrate our disguise; and we saw that they hated + the Bolsheviki, who had destroyed many of their villages. In one place we + were told that a detachment of Red troops had been sent out from + Minnusinsk to chase the Whites. We were forced to work far back from the + shore of the Yenisei and to hide in the woods and mountains. Here we + remained nearly a fortnight, because all this time the Red soldiers were + traversing the country and capturing in the woods half-dressed unarmed + officers who were in hiding from the atrocious vengeance of the + Bolsheviki. Afterwards by accident we passed a meadow where we found the + bodies of twenty-eight officers hung to the trees, with their faces and + bodies mutilated. There we determined never to allow ourselves to come + alive into the hands of the Boisheviki. To prevent this we had our weapons + and a supply of cyanide of potassium. + </p> + <p> + Passing across one branch of the Yenisei, once we saw a narrow, miry pass, + the entrance to which was strewn with the bodies of men and horses. A + little farther along we found a broken sleigh with rifled boxes and papers + scattered about. Near them were also torn garments and bodies. Who were + these pitiful ones? What tragedy was staged in this wild wood? We tried to + guess this enigma and we began to investigate the documents and papers. + These were official papers addressed to the Staff of General Pepelaieff. + Probably one part of the Staff during the retreat of Kolchak’s army went + through this wood, striving to hide from the enemy approaching from all + sides; but here they were caught by the Reds and killed. Not far from here + we found the body of a poor unfortunate woman, whose condition proved + clearly what had happened before relief came through the beneficent + bullet. The body lay beside a shelter of branches, strewn with bottles and + conserve tins, telling the tale of the bantering feast that had preceded + the destruction of this life. + </p> + <p> + The further we went to the south, the more pronouncedly hospitable the + people became toward us and the more hostile to the Bolsheviki. At last we + emerged from the forests and entered the spacious vastness of the + Minnusinsk steppes, crossed by the high red mountain range called the + “Kizill-Kaiya” and dotted here and there with salt lakes. It is a country + of tombs, thousands of large and small dolmens, the tombs of the earliest + proprietors of this land: pyramids of stone ten metres high, the marks set + by Jenghiz Khan along his road of conquest and afterwards by the cripple + Tamerlane-Temur. Thousands of these dolmens and stone pyramids stretch in + endless rows to the north. In these plains the Tartars now live. They were + robbed by the Bolsheviki and therefore hated them ardently. We openly told + them that we were escaping. They gave us food for nothing and supplied us + with guides, telling us with whom we might stop and where to hide in case + of danger. + </p> + <p> + After several days we looked down from the high bank of the Yenisei upon + the first steamer, the “Oriol,” from Krasnoyarsk to Minnusinsk, laden with + Red soldiers. Soon we came to the mouth of the river Tuba, which we were + to follow straight east to the Sayan mountains, where Urianhai begins. We + thought the stage along the Tuba and its branch, the Amyl, the most + dangerous part of our course, because the valleys of these two rivers had + a dense population which had contributed large numbers of soldiers to the + celebrated Communist Partisans, Schetinkin and Krafcheno. + </p> + <p> + A Tartar ferried us and our horses over to the right bank of the Yenisei + and afterwards sent us some Cossacks at daybreak who guided us to the + mouth of the Tuba, where we spent the whole day in rest, gratifying + ourselves with a feast of wild black currants and cherries. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <h3> + THREE DAYS ON THE EDGE OF A PRECIPICE + </h3> + <p> + Armed with our false passports, we moved along up the valley of the Tuba. + Every ten or fifteen versts we came across large villages of from one to + six hundred houses, where all administration was in the hands of Soviets + and where spies scrutinized all passers-by. We could not avoid these + villages for two reasons. First, our attempts to avoid them when we were + constantly meeting the peasants in the country would have aroused + suspicion and would have caused any Soviet to arrest us and send us to the + “Cheka” in Minnusinsk, where we should have sung our last song. Secondly, + in his documents my fellow traveler was granted permission to use the + government post relays for forwarding him on his journey. Therefore, we + were forced to visit the village Soviets and change our horses. Our own + mounts we had given to the Tartar and Cossack who helped us at the mouth + of the Tuba, and the Cossack brought us in his wagon to the first village, + where we received the post horses. All except a small minority of the + peasants were against the Bolsheviki and voluntarily assisted us. I paid + them for their help by treating their sick and my fellow traveler gave + them practical advice in the management of their agriculture. Those who + helped us chiefly were the old dissenters and the Cossacks. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes we came across villages entirely Communistic but very soon we + learned to distinguish them. When we entered a village with our horse + bells tinkling and found the peasants who happened to be sitting in front + of their houses ready to get up with a frown and a grumble that here were + more new devils coming, we knew that this was a village opposed to the + Communists and that here we could stop in safety. But, if the peasants + approached and greeted us with pleasure, calling us “Comrades,” we knew at + once that we were among the enemy and took great precautions. Such + villages were inhabited by people who were not the Siberian liberty-loving + peasants but by emigrants from the Ukraine, idle and drunk, living in poor + dirty huts, though their village were surrounded with the black and + fertile soil of the steppes. Very dangerous and pleasant moments we spent + in the large village of Karatuz. It is rather a town. In the year 1912 two + colleges were opened here and the population reached 15,000 people. It is + the capital of the South Yenisei Cossacks. But by now it is very difficult + to recognize this town. The peasant emigrants and Red army murdered all + the Cossack population and destroyed and burned most of the houses; and it + is at present the center of Bolshevism and Communism in the eastern part + of the Minnusinsk district. In the building of the Soviet, where we came + to exchange our horses, there was being held a meeting of the “Cheka.” We + were immediately surrounded and questioned about our documents. We were + not any too calm about the impression which might be made by our papers + and attempted to avoid this examination. My fellow traveler afterwards + often said to me: + </p> + <p> + “It is great good fortune that among the Bolsheviki the good-for-nothing + shoemaker of yesterday is the Governor of today and scientists sweep the + streets or clean the stables of the Red cavalry. I can talk with the + Bolsheviki because they do not know the difference between ‘disinfection’ + and ‘diphtheria,’ ‘anthracite’ and ‘appendicitis’ and can talk them round + in all things, even up to persuading them not to put a bullet into me.” + </p> + <p> + And so we talked the members of the “Cheka” round to everything that we + wanted. We presented to them a bright scheme for the future development of + their district, when we would build the roads and bridges which would + allow them to export the wood from Urianhai, iron and gold from the Sayan + Mountains, cattle and furs from Mongolia. What a triumph of creative work + for the Soviet Government! Our ode occupied about an hour and afterwards + the members of the “Cheka,” forgetting about our documents, personally + changed our horses, placed our luggage on the wagon and wished us success. + It was the last ordeal within the borders of Russia. + </p> + <p> + When we had crossed the valley of the river Amyl, Happiness smiled on us. + Near the ferry we met a member of the militia from Karatuz. He had on his + wagon several rifles and automatic pistols, mostly Mausers, for outfitting + an expedition through Urianhai in quest of some Cossack officers who had + been greatly troubling the Bolsheviki. We stood upon our guard. We could + very easily have met this expedition and we were not quite assured that + the soldiers would be so appreciative of our high-sounding phrases as were + the members of the “Cheka.” Carefully questioning the militiaman, we + ferreted out the route their expedition was to take. In the next village + we stayed in the same house with him. I had to open my luggage and + suddenly I noticed his admiring glance fixed upon my bag. + </p> + <p> + “What pleases you so much?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + He whispered: “Trousers . . . Trousers.” + </p> + <p> + I had received from my townsmen quite new trousers of black thick cloth + for riding. Those trousers attracted the rapt attention of the militiaman. + </p> + <p> + “If you have no other trousers. . . .” I remarked, reflecting upon my plan + of attack against my new friend. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he explained with sadness, “the Soviet does not furnish trousers. + They tell me they also go without trousers. And my trousers are absolutely + worn out. Look at them.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he threw back the corner of his overcoat and I was + astonished how he could keep himself inside these trousers, for they had + such large holes that they were more of a net than trousers, a net through + which a small shark could have slipped. + </p> + <p> + “Sell me,” he whispered, with a question in his voice. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot, for I need them myself,” I answered decisively. + </p> + <p> + He reflected for a few minutes and afterward, approaching me, said: “Let + us go out doors and talk. Here it is inconvenient.” + </p> + <p> + We went outside. “Now, what about it?” he began. “You are going into + Urianhai. There the Soviet bank-notes have no value and you will not be + able to buy anything, where there are plenty of sables, fox-skins, ermine + and gold dust to be purchased, which they very willingly exchange for + rifles and cartridges. You have each of you a rifle and I will give you + one more rifle with a hundred cartridges if you give me the trousers.” + </p> + <p> + “We do not need weapons. We are protected by our documents,” I answered, + as though I did not understand. + </p> + <p> + “But no,” he interrupted, “you can change that rifle there into furs and + gold. I shall give you that rifle outright.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that’s it, is it? But it’s very little for those trousers. Nowhere in + Russia can you now find trousers. All Russia goes without trousers and for + your rifle I should receive a sable and what use to me is one skin?” + </p> + <p> + Word by word I attained to my desire. The militia-man got my trousers and + I received a rifle with one hundred cartridges and two automatic pistols + with forty cartridges each. We were armed now so that we could defend + ourselves. Moreover, I persuaded the happy possessor of my trousers to + give us a permit to carry the weapons. Then the law and force were both on + our side. + </p> + <p> + In a distant village we bought three horses, two for riding and one for + packing, engaged a guide, purchased dried bread, meat, salt and butter + and, after resting twenty-four hours, began our trip up the Amyl toward + the Sayan Mountains on the border of Urianhai. There we hoped not to meet + Bolsheviki, either sly or silly. In three days from the mouth of the Tuba + we passed the last Russian village near the Mongolian-Urianhai border, + three days of constant contact with a lawless population, of continuous + danger and of the ever present possibility of fortuitous death. Only iron + will power, presence of mind and dogged tenacity brought us through all + the dangers and saved us from rolling back down our precipice of + adventure, at whose foot lay so many others who had failed to make this + same climb to freedom which we had just accomplished. Perhaps they lacked + the persistence or the presence of mind, perhaps they had not the poetic + ability to sing odes about “roads, bridges and gold mines” or perhaps they + simply had no spare trousers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <h3> + TO THE SAYANS AND SAFETY + </h3> + <p> + Dense virgin wood surrounded us. In the high, already yellow grass the + trail wound hardly noticeable in among bushes and trees just beginning to + drop their many colored leaves. It is the old, already forgotten Amyl pass + road. Twenty-five years ago it carried the provisions, machinery and + workers for the numerous, now abandoned, gold mines of the Amyl valley. + The road now wound along the wide and rapid Amyl, then penetrated into the + deep forest, guiding us round the swampy ground filled with those + dangerous Siberian quagmires, through the dense bushes, across mountains + and wide meadows. Our guide probably did not surmise our real intention + and sometimes, apprehensively looking down at the ground, would say: + </p> + <p> + “Three riders on horses with shoes on have passed here. Perhaps they were + soldiers.” + </p> + <p> + His anxiety was terminated when he discovered that the tracks led off to + one side and then returned to the trail. + </p> + <p> + “They did not proceed farther,” he remarked, slyly smiling. + </p> + <p> + “That’s too bad,” we answered. “It would have been more lively to travel + in company.” + </p> + <p> + But the peasant only stroked his beard and laughed. Evidently he was not + taken in by our statement. + </p> + <p> + We passed on the way a gold mine that had been formerly planned and + equipped on splendid lines but was now abandoned and the buildings all + destroyed. The Bolsheviki had taken away the machinery, supplies and also + some parts of the buildings. Nearby stood a dark and gloomy church with + windows broken, the crucifix torn off and the tower burned, a pitifully + typical emblem of the Russia of today. The starving family of the watchman + lived at the mine in continuing danger and privation. They told us that in + this forest region were wandering about a band of Reds who were robbing + anything that remained on the property of the gold mine, were working the + pay dirt in the richest part of the mine and, with a little gold washed, + were going to drink and gamble it away in some distant villages where the + peasants were making the forbidden vodka out of berries and potatoes and + selling it for its weight in gold. A meeting with this band meant death. + After three days we crossed the northern ridge of the Sayan chain, passed + the border river Algiak and, after this day, were abroad in the territory + of Urianhai. + </p> + <p> + This wonderful land, rich in most diverse forms of natural wealth, is + inhabited by a branch of the Mongols, which is now only sixty thousand and + which is gradually dying off, speaking a language quite different from any + of the other dialects of this folk and holding as their life ideal the + tenet of “Eternal Peace.” Urianhai long ago became the scene of + administrative attempts by Russians, Mongols and Chinese, all of whom + claimed sovereignty over the region whose unfortunate inhabitants, the + Soyots, had to pay tribute to all three of these overlords. It was due to + this that the land was not an entirely safe refuge for us. We had heard + already from our militiaman about the expedition preparing to go into + Urianhai and from the peasants we learned that the villages along the + Little Yenisei and farther south had formed Red detachments, who were + robbing and killing everyone who fell into their hands. Recently they had + killed sixty-two officers attempting to pass Urianhai into Mongolia; + robbed and killed a caravan of Chinese merchants; and killed some German + war prisoners who escaped from the Soviet paradise. On the fourth day we + reached a swampy valley where, among open forests, stood a single Russian + house. Here we took leave of our guide, who hastened away to get back + before the snows should block his road over the Sayans. The master of the + establishment agreed to guide us to the Seybi River for ten thousand + roubles in Soviet notes. Our horses were tired and we were forced to give + them a rest, so we decided to spend twenty-four hours here. + </p> + <p> + We were drinking tea when the daughter of our host cried: + </p> + <p> + “The Soyots are coming!” Into the room with their rifles and pointed hats + came suddenly four of them. + </p> + <p> + “Mende,” they grunted to us and then, without ceremony, began examining us + critically. Not a button or a seam in our entire outfit escaped their + penetrating gaze. Afterwards one of them, who appeared to be the local + “Merin” or governor, began to investigate our political views. Listening + to our criticisms of the Bolsheviki, he was evidently pleased and began + talking freely. + </p> + <p> + “You are good people. You do not like Bolsheviki. We will help you.” + </p> + <p> + I thanked him and presented him with the thick silk cord which I was + wearing as a girdle. Before night they left us saying that they would + return in the morning. It grew dark. We went to the meadow to look after + our exhausted horses grazing there and came back to the house. We were + gaily chatting with the hospitable host when suddenly we heard horses’ + hoofs in the court and raucous voices, followed by the immediate entry of + five Red soldiers armed with rifles and swords. Something unpleasant and + cold rolled up into my throat and my heart hammered. We knew the Reds as + our enemies. These men had the red stars on their Astrakhan caps and red + triangles on their sleeves. They were members of the detachment that was + out to look for Cossack officers. Scowling at us they took off their + overcoats and sat down. We first opened the conversation, explaining the + purpose of our journey in exploring for bridges, roads and gold mines. + From them we then learned that their commander would arrive in a little + while with seven more men and that they would take our host at once as a + guide to the Seybi River, where they thought the Cossack officers must be + hidden. Immediately I remarked that our affairs were moving fortunately + and that we must travel along together. One of the soldiers replied that + that would depend upon the “Comrade-officer.” + </p> + <p> + During our conversation the Soyot Governor entered. Very attentively he + studied again the new arrivals and then asked: “Why did you take from the + Soyots the good horses and leave bad ones?” + </p> + <p> + The soldiers laughed at him. + </p> + <p> + “Remember that you are in a foreign country!” answered the Soyot, with a + threat in his voice. + </p> + <p> + “God and the Devil!” cried one of the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + But the Soyot very calmly took a seat at the table and accepted the cup of + tea the hostess was preparing for him. The conversation ceased. The Soyot + finished the tea, smoked his long pipe and, standing up, said: + </p> + <p> + “If tomorrow morning the horses are not back at the owner’s, we shall come + and take them.” And with these words he turned and went out. + </p> + <p> + I noticed an expression of apprehension on the faces of the soldiers. + Shortly one was sent out as a messenger while the others sat silent with + bowed heads. Late in the night the officer arrived with his other seven + men. As he received the report about the Soyot, he knitted his brows and + said: + </p> + <p> + “It’s a bad mess. We must travel through the swamp where a Soyot will be + behind every mound watching us.” + </p> + <p> + He seemed really very anxious and his trouble fortunately prevented him + from paying much attention to us. I began to calm him and promised on the + morrow to arrange this matter with the Soyots. The officer was a coarse + brute and a silly man, desiring strongly to be promoted for the capture of + the Cossack officers, and feared that the Soyot could prevent him from + reaching the Seybi. + </p> + <p> + At daybreak we started together with the Red detachment. When we had made + about fifteen kilometers, we discovered behind the bushes two riders. They + were Soyots. On their backs were their flint rifles. + </p> + <p> + “Wait for me!” I said to the officer. “I shall go for a parley with them.” + </p> + <p> + I went forward with all the speed of my horse. One of the horsemen was the + Soyot Governor, who said to me: + </p> + <p> + “Remain behind the detachment and help us.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” I answered, “but let us talk a little, in order that they may + think we are parleying.” + </p> + <p> + After a moment I shook the hand of the Soyot and returned to the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” I exclaimed, “we can continue our journey. No hindrance will + come from the Soyots.” + </p> + <p> + We moved forward and, when we were crossing a large meadow, we espied at a + long distance two Soyots riding at full gallop right up the side of a + mountain. Step by step I accomplished the necessary manoeuvre to bring me + and my fellow traveler somewhat behind the detachment. Behind our backs + remained only one soldier, very brutish in appearance and apparently very + hostile to us. I had time to whisper to my companion only one word: + “Mauser,” and saw that he very carefully unbuttoned the saddle bag and + drew out a little the handle of his pistol. + </p> + <p> + Soon I understood why these soldiers, excellent woodsmen as they were, + would not attempt to go to the Seybi without a guide. All the country + between the Algiak and the Seybi is formed by high and narrow mountain + ridges separated by deep swampy valleys. It is a cursed and dangerous + place. At first our horses mired to the knees, lunging about and catching + their feet in the roots of bushes in the quagmires, then falling and + pinning us under their sides, breaking parts of their saddles and bridles. + Then we would go in up to the riders’ knees. My horse went down once with + his whole breast and head under the red fluid mud and we just saved it and + no more. Afterwards the officer’s horse fell with him so that he bruised + his head on a stone. My companion injured one knee against a tree. Some of + the men also fell and were injured. The horses breathed heavily. Somewhere + dimly and gloomily a crow cawed. Later the road became worse still. The + trail followed through the same miry swamp but everywhere the road was + blocked with fallen tree trunks. The horses, jumping over the trunks, + would land in an unexpectedly deep hole and flounder. We and all the + soldiers were covered with blood and mud and were in great fear of + exhausting our mounts. For a long distance we had to get down and lead + them. At last we entered a broad meadow covered with bushes and bordered + with rocks. Not only horses but riders also began to sink to their middle + in a quagmire with apparently no bottom. The whole surface of the meadow + was but a thin layer of turf, covering a lake with black putrefying water. + When we finally learned to open our column and proceed at big intervals, + we found we could keep on this surface that undulated like rubber ice and + swayed the bushes up and down. In places the earth buckled up and broke. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, three shots sounded. They were hardly more than the report of a + Flobert rifle; but they were genuine shots, because the officer and two + soldiers fell to the ground. The other soldiers grabbed their rifles and, + with fear, looked about for the enemy. Four more were soon unseated and + suddenly I noticed our rearguard brute raise his rifle and aim right at + me. However, my Mauser outstrode his rifle and I was allowed to continue + my story. + </p> + <p> + “Begin!” I cried to my friend and we took part in the shooting. Soon the + meadow began to swarm with Soyots, stripping the fallen, dividing the + spoils and recapturing their horses. In some forms of warfare it is never + safe to leave any of the enemy to renew hostilities later with + overwhelming forces. + </p> + <p> + After an hour of very difficult road we began to ascend the mountain and + soon arrived on a high plateau covered with trees. + </p> + <p> + “After all, Soyots are not a too peaceful people,” I remarked, approaching + the Governor. + </p> + <p> + He looked at me very sharply and replied: + </p> + <p> + “It was not Soyots who did the killing.” + </p> + <p> + He was right. It was the Abakan Tartars in Soyot clothes who killed the + Bolsheviki. These Tartars were running their herds of cattle and horses + down out of Russia through Urianhai to Mongolia. They had as their guide + and negotiator a Kalmuck Lamaite. The following morning we were + approaching a small settlement of Russian colonists and noticed some + horsemen looking out from the woods. One of our young and brave Tartars + galloped off at full speed toward these men in the wood but soon wheeled + and returned with a reassuring smile. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” he exclaimed, laughing, “keep right on.” + </p> + <p> + We continued our travel on a good broad road along a high wooden fence + surrounding a meadow filled with a fine herd of wapiti or izubr, which the + Russian colonists breed for the horns that are so valuable in the velvet + for sale to Tibetan and Chinese medicine dealers. These horns, when boiled + and dried, are called panti and are sold to the Chinese at very high + prices. + </p> + <p> + We were received with great fear by the settlers. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” exclaimed the hostess, “we thought . . .” and she broke off, + looking at her husband. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <h3> + THE BATTLE ON THE SEYBI + </h3> + <p> + Constant dangers develop one’s watchfulness and keenness of perception. We + did not take off our clothes nor unsaddle our horses, tired as we were. I + put my Mauser inside my coat and began to look about and scrutinize the + people. The first thing I discovered was the butt end of a rifle under the + pile of pillows always found on the peasants’ large beds. Later I noticed + the employees of our host constantly coming into the room for orders from + him. They did not look like simple peasants, although they had long beards + and were dressed very dirtily. They examined me with very attentive eyes + and did not leave me and my friend alone with the host. We could not, + however, make out anything. But then the Soyot Governor came in and, + noticing our strained relations, began explaining in the Soyot language to + the host all about us. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” the colonist said, “but you know yourself that now + for one honest man we have ten thousand murderers and robbers.” + </p> + <p> + With this we began chatting more freely. It appeared that our host knew + that a band of Bolsheviki would attack him in the search for the band of + Cossack officers who were living in his house on and off. He had heard + also about the “total loss” of one detachment. However, it did not + entirely calm the old man to have our news, for he had heard of the large + detachment of Reds that was coming from the border of the Usinsky District + in pursuit of the Tartars who were escaping with their cattle south to + Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + “From one minute to another we are awaiting them with fear,” said our host + to me. “My Soyot has come in and announced that the Reds are already + crossing the Seybi and the Tartars are prepared for the fight.” + </p> + <p> + We immediately went out to look over our saddles and packs and then took + the horses and hid them in the bushes not far off. We made ready our + rifles and pistols and took posts in the enclosure to wait for our common + enemy. An hour of trying impatience passed, when one of the workmen came + running in from the wood and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “They are crossing our swamp. . . . The fight is on.” + </p> + <p> + In fact, like an answer to his words, came through the woods the sound of + a single rifle-shot, followed closely by the increasing rat-tat-tat of the + mingled guns. Nearer to the house the sounds gradually came. Soon we heard + the beating of the horses’ hoofs and the brutish cries of the soldiers. In + a moment three of them burst into the house, from off the road where they + were being raked now by the Tartars from both directions, cursing + violently. One of them shot at our host. He stumbled along and fell on his + knee, as his hand reached out toward the rifle under his pillows. + </p> + <p> + “Who are YOU?” brutally blurted out one of the soldiers, turning to us and + raising his rifle. We answered with Mausers and successfully, for only one + soldier in the rear by the door escaped, and that merely to fall into the + hands of a workman in the courtyard who strangled him. The fight had + begun. The soldiers called on their comrades for help. The Reds were + strung along in the ditch at the side of the road, three hundred paces + from the house, returning the fire of the surrounding Tartars. Several + soldiers ran to the house to help their comrades but this time we heard + the regular volley of the workmen of our host. They fired as though in a + manoeuvre calmly and accurately. Five Red soldiers lay on the road, while + the rest now kept to their ditch. Before long we discovered that they + began crouching and crawling out toward the end of the ditch nearest the + wood where they had left their horses. The sounds of shots became more and + more distant and soon we saw fifty or sixty Tartars pursuing the Reds + across the meadow. + </p> + <p> + Two days we rested here on the Seybi. The workmen of our host, eight in + number, turned out to be officers hiding from the Bolsheviks. They asked + permission to go on with us, to which we agreed. + </p> + <p> + When my friend and I continued our trip we had a guard of eight armed + officers and three horses with packs. We crossed a beautiful valley + between the Rivers Seybi and Ut. Everywhere we saw splendid grazing lands + with numerous herds upon them, but in two or three houses along the road + we did not find anyone living. All had hidden away in fear after hearing + the sounds of the fight with the Reds. The following day we went up over + the high chain of mountains called Daban and, traversing a great area of + burned timber where our trail lay among the fallen trees, we began to + descend into a valley hidden from us by the intervening foothills. There + behind these hills flowed the Little Yenisei, the last large river before + reaching Mongolia proper. About ten kilometers from the river we spied a + column of smoke rising up out of the wood. Two of the officers slipped + away to make an investigation. For a long time they did not return and we, + fearful lest something had happened, moved off carefully in the direction + of the smoke, all ready for a fight if necessary. We finally came near + enough to hear the voices of many people and among them the loud laugh of + one of our scouts. In the middle of a meadow we made out a large tent with + two tepees of branches and around these a crowd of fifty or sixty men. + When we broke out of the forest all of them rushed forward with a joyful + welcome for us. It appeared that it was a large camp of Russian officers + and soldiers who, after their escape from Siberia, had lived in the houses + of the Russian colonists and rich peasants in Urianhai. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing here?” we asked with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ho, you know nothing at all about what has been going on?” replied a + fairly old man who called himself Colonel Ostrovsky. “In Urianhai an order + has been issued from the Military Commissioner to mobilize all men over + twenty-eight years of age and everywhere toward the town of Belotzarsk are + moving detachments of these Partisans. They are robbing the colonists and + peasants and killing everyone that falls into their hands. We are hiding + here from them.” + </p> + <p> + The whole camp counted only sixteen rifles and three bombs, belonging to a + Tartar who was traveling with his Kalmuck guide to his herds in Western + Mongolia. We explained the aim of our journey and our intention to pass + through Mongolia to the nearest port on the Pacific. The officers asked me + to bring them out with us. I agreed. Our reconnaissance proved to us that + there were no Partisans near the house of the peasant who was to ferry us + over the Little Yenisei. We moved off at once in order to pass as quickly + as possible this dangerous zone of the Yenisei and to sink ourselves into + the forest beyond. It snowed but immediately thawed. Before evening a cold + north wind sprang up, bringing with it a small blizzard. Late in the night + our party reached the river. Our colonist welcomed us and offered at once + to ferry us over and swim the horses, although there was ice still + floating which had come down from the head-waters of the stream. During + this conversation there was present one of the peasant’s workmen, + red-haired and squint-eyed. He kept moving around all the time and + suddenly disappeared. Our host noticed it and, with fear in his voice, + said: + </p> + <p> + “He has run to the village and will guide the Partisans here. We must + cross immediately.” + </p> + <p> + Then began the most terrible night of my whole journey. We proposed to the + colonist that he take only our food and ammunition in the boat, while we + would swim our horses across, in order to save the time of the many trips. + The width of the Yenisei in this place is about three hundred metres. The + stream is very rapid and the shore breaks away abruptly to the full depth + of the stream. The night was absolutely dark with not a star in the sky. + The wind in whistling swirls drove the snow and sleet sharply against our + faces. Before us flowed the stream of black, rapid water, carrying down + thin, jagged blocks of ice, twisting and grinding in the whirls and + eddies. For a long time my horse refused to take the plunge down the steep + bank, snorted and braced himself. With all my strength I lashed him with + my whip across his neck until, with a pitiful groan, he threw himself into + the cold stream. We both went all the way under and I hardly kept my seat + in the saddle. Soon I was some metres from the shore with my horse + stretching his head and neck far forward in his efforts and snorting and + blowing incessantly. I felt the every motion of his feet churning the + water and the quivering of his whole body under me in this trial. At last + we reached the middle of the river, where the current became exceedingly + rapid and began to carry us down with it. Out of the ominous darkness I + heard the shoutings of my companions and the dull cries of fear and + suffering from the horses. I was chest deep in the icy water. Sometimes + the floating blocks struck me; sometimes the waves broke up over my head + and face. I had no time to look about or to feel the cold. The animal wish + to live took possession of me; I became filled with the thought that, if + my horse’s strength failed in his struggle with the stream, I must perish. + All my attention was turned to his efforts and to his quivering fear. + Suddenly he groaned loudly and I noticed he was sinking. The water + evidently was over his nostrils, because the intervals of his frightened + snorts through the nostrils became longer. A big block of ice struck his + head and turned him so that he was swimming right downstream. With + difficulty I reined him around toward the shore but felt now that his + force was gone. His head several times disappeared under the swirling + surface. I had no choice. I slipped from the saddle and, holding this by + my left hand, swam with my right beside my mount, encouraging him with my + shouts. For a time he floated with lips apart and his teeth set firm. In + his widely opened eyes was indescribable fear. As soon as I was out of the + saddle, he had at once risen in the water and swam more calmly and + rapidly. At last under the hoofs of my exhausted animal I heard the + stones. One after another my companions came up on the shore. The + well-trained horses had brought all their burdens over. Much farther down + our colonist landed with the supplies. Without a moment’s loss we packed + our things on the horses and continued our journey. The wind was growing + stronger and colder. At the dawn of day the cold was intense. Our soaked + clothes froze and became hard as leather; our teeth chattered; and in our + eyes showed the red fires of fever: but we traveled on to put as much + space as we could between ourselves and the Partisans. Passing about + fifteen kilometres through the forest we emerged into an open valley, from + which we could see the opposite bank of the Yenisei. It was about eight + o’clock. Along the road on the other shore wound the black serpent-like + line of riders and wagons which we made out to be a column of Red soldiers + with their transport. We dismounted and hid in the bushes in order to + avoid attracting their attention. + </p> + <p> + All the day with the thermometer at zero and below we continued our + journey, only at night reaching the mountains covered with larch forests, + where we made big fires, dried our clothes and warmed ourselves + thoroughly. The hungry horses did not leave the fires but stood right + behind us with drooped heads and slept. Very early in the morning several + Soyots came to our camp. + </p> + <p> + “Ulan? (Red?)” asked one of them. + </p> + <p> + “No! No!” exclaimed all our company. + </p> + <p> + “Tzagan? (White?)” followed the new question. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said the Tartar, “all are Whites.” + </p> + <p> + “Mende! Mende!” they grunted and, after starting their cups of tea, began + to relate very interesting and important news. It appeared that the Red + Partisans, moving from the mountains Tannu Ola, occupied with their + outposts all the border of Mongolia to stop and seize the peasants and + Soyots driving out their cattle. To pass the Tannu Ola now would be + impossible. I saw only one way—to turn sharp to the southeast, pass + the swampy valley of the Buret Hei and reach the south shore of Lake + Kosogol, which is already in the territory of Mongolia proper. It was very + unpleasant news. To the first Mongol post in Samgaltai was not more than + sixty miles from our camp, while to Kosogol by the shortest line not less + than two hundred seventy-five. The horses my friend and I were riding, + after having traveled more than six hundred miles over hard roads and + without proper food or rest, could scarcely make such an additional + distance. But, reflecting upon the situation and studying my new fellow + travelers, I determined not to attempt to pass the Tannu Ola. They were + nervous, morally weary men, badly dressed and armed and most of them were + without weapons. I knew that during a fight there is no danger so great as + that of disarmed men. They are easily caught by panic, lose their heads + and infect all the others. Therefore, I consulted with my friends and + decided to go to Kosogol. Our company agreed to follow us. After luncheon, + consisting of soup with big lumps of meat, dry bread and tea, we moved + out. About two o’clock the mountains began to rise up before us. They were + the northeast outspurs of the Tannu Ola, behind which lay the Valley of + Buret Hei. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <h3> + THE BARRIER OF RED PARTISANS + </h3> + <p> + In a valley between two sharp ridges we discovered a herd of yaks and + cattle being rapidly driven off to the north by ten mounted Soyots. + Approaching us warily they finally revealed that Noyon (Prince) of Todji + had ordered them to drive the herds along the Buret Hei into Mongolia, + apprehending the pillaging of the Red Partisans. They proceeded but were + informed by some Soyot hunters that this part of the Tannu Ola was + occupied by the Partisans from the village of Vladimirovka. Consequently + they were forced to return. We inquired from them the whereabouts of these + outposts and how many Partisans were holding the mountain pass over into + Mongolia. We sent out the Tartar and the Kalmuck for a reconnaissance + while all of us prepared for the further advance by wrapping the feet of + our horses in our shirts and by muzzling their noses with straps and bits + of rope so that they could not neigh. It was dark when our investigators + returned and reported to us that about thirty Partisans had a camp some + ten kilometers from us, occupying the yurtas of the Soyots. At the pass + were two outposts, one of two soldiers and the other of three. From the + outposts to the camp was a little over a mile. Our trail lay between the + two outposts. From the top of the mountain one could plainly see the two + posts and could shoot them all. When we had come near to the top of this + mountain, I left our party and, taking with me my friend, the Tartar, the + Kalmuck and two of the young officers, advanced. From the mountain I saw + about five hundred yards ahead two fires. At each of the fires sat a + soldier with his rifle and the others slept. I did not want to fight with + the Partisans but we had to do away with these outposts and that without + firing or we never should get through the pass. I did not believe the + Partisans could afterwards track us because the whole trail was thickly + marked with the spoors of horses and cattle. + </p> + <p> + “I shall take for my share these two,” whispered my friend, pointing to + the left outpost. + </p> + <p> + The rest of us were to take care of the second post. I crept along through + the bushes behind my friend in order to help him in case of need; but I am + bound to admit that I was not at all worried about him. He was about seven + feet tall and so strong that, when a horse used to refuse sometimes to + take the bit, he would wrap his arm around its neck, kick its forefeet out + from under it and throw it so that he could easily bridle it on the + ground. When only a hundred paces remained, I stood behind the bushes and + watched. I could see very distinctly the fire and the dozing sentinel. He + sat with his rifle on his knees. His companion, asleep beside him, did not + move. Their white felt boots were plainly visible to me. For a long time I + did not remark my friend. At the fire all was quiet. Suddenly from the + other outpost floated over a few dim shouts and all was still. Our + sentinel slowly raised his head. But just at this moment the huge body of + my friend rose up and blanketed the fire from me and in a twinkling the + feet of the sentinel flashed through the air, as my companion had seized + him by the throat and swung him clear into the bushes, where both figures + disappeared. In a second he re-appeared, flourished the rifle of the + Partisan over his head and I heard the dull blow which was followed by an + absolute calm. He came back toward me and, confusedly smiling, said: + </p> + <p> + “It is done. God and the Devil! When I was a boy, my mother wanted to make + a priest out of me. When I grew up, I became a trained agronome in order . + . . to strangle the people and smash their skulls. Revolution is a very + stupid thing!” + </p> + <p> + And with anger and disgust he spit and began to smoke his pipe. + </p> + <p> + At the other outpost also all was finished. During this night we reached + the top of the Tannu Ola and descended again into a valley covered with + dense bushes and twined with a whole network of small rivers and streams. + It was the headwaters of the Buret Hei. About one o’clock we stopped and + began to feed our horses, as the grass just there was very good. Here we + thought ourselves in safety. We saw many calming indications. On the + mountains were seen the grazing herds of reindeers and yaks and + approaching Soyots confirmed our supposition. Here behind the Tannu Ola + the Soyots had not seen the Red soldiers. We presented to these Soyots a + brick of tea and saw them depart happy and sure that we were “Tzagan,” a + “good people.” + </p> + <p> + While our horses rested and grazed on the well-preserved grass, we sat by + the fire and deliberated upon our further progress. There developed a + sharp controversy between two sections of our company, one led by a + Colonel who with four officers were so impressed by the absence of Reds + south of the Tannu Ola that they determined to work westward to Kobdo and + then on to the camp on the Emil River where the Chinese authorities had + interned six thousand of the forces of General Bakitch, which had come + over into Mongolian territory. My friend and I with sixteen of the + officers chose to carry through our old plan to strike for the shores of + Lake Kosogol and thence out to the Far East. As neither side could + persuade the other to abandon its ideas, our company was divided and the + next day at noon we took leave of one another. It turned out that our own + wing of eighteen had many fights and difficulties on the way, which cost + us the lives of six of our comrades, but that the remainder of us came + through to the goal of our journey so closely knit by the ties of devotion + which fighting and struggling for our very lives entailed that we have + ever preserved for one another the warmest feelings of friendship. The + other group under Colonel Jukoff perished. He met a big detachment of Red + cavalry and was defeated by them in two fights. Only two officers escaped. + They related to me this sad news and the details of the fights when we met + four months later in Urga. + </p> + <p> + Our band of eighteen riders with five packhorses moved up the valley of + the Buret Hei. We floundered in the swamps, passed innumerable miry + streams, were frozen by the cold winds and were soaked through by the snow + and sleet; but we persisted indefatigably toward the south end of Kosogol. + As a guide our Tartar led us confidently over these trails well marked by + the feet of many cattle being run out of Urianhai to Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <h3> + IN THE COUNTRY OF ETERNAL PEACE + </h3> + <p> + The inhabitants of Urianhai, the Soyots, are proud of being the genuine + Buddhists and of retaining the pure doctrine of holy Rama and the deep + wisdom of Sakkia-Mouni. They are the eternal enemies of war and of the + shedding of blood. Away back in the thirteenth century they preferred to + move out from their native land and take refuge in the north rather than + fight or become a part of the empire of the bloody conqueror Jenghiz Khan, + who wanted to add to his forces these wonderful horsemen and skilled + archers. Three times in their history they have thus trekked northward to + avoid struggle and now no one can say that on the hands of the Soyots + there has ever been seen human blood. With their love of peace they + struggled against the evils of war. Even the severe Chinese administrators + could not apply here in this country of peace the full measure of their + implacable laws. In the same manner the Soyots conducted themselves when + the Russian people, mad with blood and crime, brought this infection into + their land. They avoided persistently meetings and encounters with the Red + troops and Partisans, trekking off with their families and cattle + southward into the distant principalities of Kemchik and Soldjak. The + eastern branch of this stream of emigration passed through the valley of + the Buret Hei, where we constantly outstrode groups of them with their + cattle and herds. + </p> + <p> + We traveled quickly along the winding trail of the Buret Hei and in two + days began to make the elevations of the mountain pass between the valleys + of the Buret Hei and Kharga. The trail was not only very steep but was + also littered with fallen larch trees and frequently intercepted, + incredible as it may seem, with swampy places where the horses mired + badly. Then again we picked our dangerous road over cobbles and small + stones that rolled away under our horses’ feet and bumped off over the + precipice nearby. Our horses fatigued easily in passing this moraine that + had been strewn by ancient glaciers along the mountain sides. Sometimes + the trail led right along the edge of the precipices where the horses + started great slides of stones and sand. I remember one whole mountain + covered with these moving sands. We had to leave our saddles and, taking + the bridles in our hands, to trot for a mile or more over these sliding + beds, sometimes sinking in up to our knees and going down the mountain + side with them toward the precipices below. One imprudent move at times + would have sent us over the brink. This destiny met one of our horses. + Belly down in the moving trap, he could not work free to change his + direction and so slipped on down with a mass of it until he rolled over + the precipice and was lost to us forever. We heard only the crackling of + breaking trees along his road to death. Then with great difficulty we + worked down to salvage the saddle and bags. Further along we had to + abandon one of our pack horses which had come all the way from the + northern border of Urianhai with us. We first unburdened it but this did + not help; no more did our shouting and threats. He only stood with his + head down and looked so exhausted that we realized he had reached the + further bourne of his land of toil. Some Soyots with us examined him, felt + of his muscles on the fore and hind legs, took his head in their hands and + moved it from side to side, examined his head carefully after that and + then said: + </p> + <p> + “That horse will not go further. His brain is dried out.” So we had to + leave him. + </p> + <p> + That evening we came to a beautiful change in scene when we topped a rise + and found ourselves on a broad plateau covered with larch. On it we + discovered the yurtas of some Soyot hunters, covered with bark instead of + the usual felt. Out of these ten men with rifles rushed toward us as we + approached. They informed us that the Prince of Soldjak did not allow + anyone to pass this way, as he feared the coming of murderers and robbers + into his dominions. + </p> + <p> + “Go back to the place from which you came,” they advised us with fear in + their eyes. + </p> + <p> + I did not answer but I stopped the beginnings of a quarrel between an old + Soyot and one of my officers. I pointed to the small stream in the valley + ahead of us and asked him its name. + </p> + <p> + “Oyna,” replied the Soyot. “It is the border of the principality and the + passage of it is forbidden.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” I said, “but you will allow us to warm and rest ourselves a + little.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes!” exclaimed the hospitable Soyots, and led us into their tepees. + </p> + <p> + On our way there I took the opportunity to hand to the old Soyot a + cigarette and to another a box of matches. We were all walking along + together save one Soyot who limped slowly in the rear and was holding his + hand up over his nose. + </p> + <p> + “Is he ill?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” sadly answered the old Soyot. “That is my son. He has been losing + blood from the nose for two days and is now quite weak.” + </p> + <p> + I stopped and called the young man to me. + </p> + <p> + “Unbutton your outer coat,” I ordered, “bare your neck and chest and turn + your face up as far as you can.” I pressed the jugular vein on both sides + of his head for some minutes and said to him: + </p> + <p> + “The blood will not flow from your nose any more. Go into your tepee and + lie down for some time.” + </p> + <p> + The “mysterious” action of my fingers created on the Soyots a strong + impression. The old Soyot with fear and reverence whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Ta Lama, Ta Lama! (Great Doctor).” + </p> + <p> + In the yurta we were given tea while the old Soyot sat thinking deeply + about something. Afterwards he took counsel with his companions and + finally announced: + </p> + <p> + “The wife of our Prince is sick in her eyes and I think the Prince will be + very glad if I lead the ‘Ta Lama’ to him. He will not punish me, for he + ordered that no ‘bad people’ should be allowed to pass; but that should + not stop the ‘good people’ from coming to us. + </p> + <p> + “Do as you think best,” I replied rather indifferently. “As a matter of + fact, I know how to treat eye diseases but I would go back if you say so.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” the old man exclaimed with fear. “I shall guide you myself.” + </p> + <p> + Sitting by the fire, he lighted his pipe with a flint, wiped the + mouthpiece on his sleeve and offered it to me in true native hospitality. + I was “comme il faut” and smoked. Afterwards he offered his pipe to each + one of our company and received from each a cigarette, a little tobacco or + some matches. It was the seal on our friendship. Soon in our yurta many + persons piled up around us, men, women, children and dogs. It was + impossible to move. From among them emerged a Lama with shaved face and + close cropped hair, dressed in the flowing red garment of his caste. His + clothes and his expression were very different from the common mass of + dirty Soyots with their queues and felt caps finished off with squirrel + tails on the top. The Lama was very kindly disposed towards us but looked + ever greedily at our gold rings and watches. I decided to exploit this + avidity of the Servant of Buddha. Supplying him with tea and dried bread, + I made known to him that I was in need of horses. + </p> + <p> + “I have a horse. Will you buy it from me?” he asked. “But I do not accept + Russian bank notes. Let us exchange something.” + </p> + <p> + For a long time I bargained with him and at last for my gold wedding ring, + a raincoat and a leather saddle bag I received a fine Soyot horse—to + replace one of the pack animals we had lost—and a young goat. We + spent the night here and were feasted with fat mutton. In the morning we + moved off under the guidance of the old Soyot along the trail that + followed the valley of the Oyna, free from both mountains and swamps. But + we knew that the mounts of my friend and myself, together with three + others, were too worn down to make Kosogol and determined to try to buy + others in Soldjak. Soon we began to meet little groups of Soyot yurtas + with their cattle and horses round about. Finally we approached the + shifting capital of the Prince. Our guide rode on ahead for the parley + with him after assuring us that the Prince would be glad to welcome the Ta + Lama, though at the time I remarked great anxiety and fear in his features + as he spoke. Before long we emerged on to a large plain well covered with + small bushes. Down by the shore of the river we made out big yurtas with + yellow and blue flags floating over them and easily guessed that this was + the seat of government. Soon our guide returned to us. His face was + wreathed with smiles. He flourished his hands and cried: + </p> + <p> + “Noyon (the Prince) asks you to come! He is very glad!” + </p> + <p> + From a warrior I was forced to change myself into a diplomat. As we + approached the yurta of the Prince, we were met by two officials, wearing + the peaked Mongol caps with peacock feathers rampants behind. With low + obeisances they begged the foreign “Noyon” to enter the yurta. My friend + the Tartar and I entered. In the rich yurta draped with expensive silk we + discovered a feeble, wizen-faced little old man with shaven face and + cropped hair, wearing also a high pointed beaver cap with red silk apex + topped off with a dark red button with the long peacock feathers streaming + out behind. On his nose were big Chinese spectacles. He was sitting on a + low divan, nervously clicking the beads of his rosary. This was Ta Lama, + Prince of Soldjak and High Priest of the Buddhist Temple. He welcomed us + very cordially and invited us to sit down before the fire burning in the + copper brazier. His surprisingly beautiful Princess served us with tea and + Chinese confections and cakes. We smoked our pipes, though the Prince as a + Lama did not indulge, fulfilling, however, his duty as a host by raising + to his lips the pipes we offered him and handing us in return the green + nephrite bottle of snuff. Thus with the etiquette accomplished we awaited + the words of the Prince. He inquired whether our travels had been + felicitous and what were our further plans. I talked with him quite + frankly and requested his hospitality for the rest of our company and for + the horses. He agreed immediately and ordered four yurtas set up for us. + </p> + <p> + “I hear that the foreign Noyon,” the Prince said, “is a good doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know some diseases and have with me some medicines,” I answered, + “but I am not a doctor. I am a scientist in other branches.” + </p> + <p> + But the Prince did not understand this. In his simple directness a man who + knows how to treat disease is a doctor. + </p> + <p> + “My wife has had constant trouble for two months with her eyes,” he + announced. “Help her.” + </p> + <p> + I asked the Princess to show me her eyes and I found the typical + conjunctivitis from the continual smoke of the yurta and the general + uncleanliness. The Tartar brought me my medicine case. I washed her eyes + with boric acid and dropped a little cocaine and a feeble solution of + sulphurate of zinc into them. + </p> + <p> + “I beg you to cure me,” pleaded the Princess. “Do not go away until you + have cured me. We shall give you sheep, milk and flour for all your + company. I weep now very often because I had very nice eyes and my husband + used to tell me they shone like the stars and now they are red. I cannot + bear it, I cannot!” + </p> + <p> + She very capriciously stamped her foot and, coquettishly smiling at me, + asked: + </p> + <p> + “Do you want to cure me? Yes?” + </p> + <p> + The character and manners of lovely woman are the same everywhere: on + bright Broadway, along the stately Thames, on the vivacious boulevards of + gay Paris and in the silk-draped yurta of the Soyot Princess behind the + larch covered Tannu Ola. + </p> + <p> + “I shall certainly try,” assuringly answered the new oculist. + </p> + <p> + We spent here ten days, surrounded by the kindness and friendship of the + whole family of the Prince. The eyes of the Princess, which eight years + ago had seduced the already old Prince Lama, were now recovered. She was + beside herself with joy and seldom left her looking-glass. + </p> + <p> + The Prince gave me five fairly good horses, ten sheep and a bag of flour, + which was immediately transformed into dry bread. My friend presented him + with a Romanoff five-hundred-rouble note with a picture of Peter the Great + upon it, while I gave to him a small nugget of gold which I had picked up + in the bed of a stream. The Prince ordered one of the Soyots to guide us + to the Kosogol. The whole family of the Prince conducted us to the + monastery ten kilometres from the “capital.” We did not visit the + monastery but we stopped at the “Dugun,” a Chinese trading establishment. + The Chinese merchants looked at us in a very hostile manner though they + simultaneously offered us all sorts of goods, thinking especially to catch + us with their round bottles (lanhon) of maygolo or sweet brandy made from + aniseed. As we had neither lump silver nor Chinese dollars, we could only + look with longing at these attractive bottles, till the Prince came to the + rescue and ordered the Chinese to put five of them in our saddle bags. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <h3> + MYSTERIES, MIRACLES AND A NEW FIGHT + </h3> + <p> + In the evening of the same day we arrived at the Sacred Lake of Teri Noor, + a sheet of water eight kilometres across, muddy and yellow, with low + unattractive shores studded with large holes. In the middle of the lake + lay what was left of a disappearing island. On this were a few trees and + some old ruins. Our guide explained to us that two centuries ago the lake + did not exist and that a very strong Chinese fortress stood here on the + plain. A Chinese chief in command of the fortress gave offence to an old + Lama who cursed the place and prophesied that it would all be destroyed. + The very next day the water began rushing up from the ground, destroyed + the fortress and engulfed all the Chinese soldiers. Even to this day when + storms rage over the lake the waters cast up on the shores the bones of + men and horses who perished in it. This Teri Noor increases its size every + year, approaching nearer and nearer to the mountains. Skirting the eastern + shore of the lake, we began to climb a snow-capped ridge. The road was + easy at first but the guide warned us that the most difficult bit was + there ahead. We reached this point two days later and found there a steep + mountain side thickly set with forest and covered with snow. Beyond it lay + the lines of eternal snow—ridges studded with dark rocks set in + great banks of the white mantle that gleamed bright under the clear + sunshine. These were the eastern and highest branches of the Tannu Ola + system. We spent the night beneath this wood and began the passage of it + in the morning. At noon the guide began leading us by zigzags in and out + but everywhere our trail was blocked by deep ravines, great jams of fallen + trees and walls of rock caught in their mad tobogganings from the mountain + top. We struggled for several hours, wore out our horses and, all of a + sudden, turned up at the place where we had made our last halt. It was + very evident our Soyot had lost his way; and on his face I noticed marked + fear. + </p> + <p> + “The old devils of the cursed forest will not allow us to pass,” he + whispered with trembling lips. “It is a very ominous sign. We must return + to Kharga to the Noyon.” + </p> + <p> + But I threatened him and he took the lead again evidently without hope or + effort to find the way. Fortunately, one of our party, an Urianhai hunter, + noticed the blazes on the trees, the signs of the road which our guide had + lost. Following these, we made our way through the wood, came into and + crossed a belt of burned larch timber and beyond this dipped again into a + small live forest bordering the bottom of the mountains crowned with the + eternal snows. It grew dark so that we had to camp for the night. The wind + rose high and carried in its grasp a great white sheet of snow that shut + us off from the horizon on every side and buried our camp deep in its + folds. Our horses stood round like white ghosts, refusing to eat or to + leave the circle round our fire. The wind combed their manes and tails. + Through the niches in the mountains it roared and whistled. From somewhere + in the distance came the low rumble of a pack of wolves, punctuated at + intervals by the sharp individual barking that a favorable gust of wind + threw up into high staccato. + </p> + <p> + As we lay by the fire, the Soyot came over to me and said: “Noyon, come + with me to the obo. I want to show you something.” + </p> + <p> + We went there and began to ascend the mountain. At the bottom of a very + steep slope was laid up a large pile of stones and tree trunks, making a + cone of some three metres in height. These obo are the Lamaite sacred + signs set up at dangerous places, the altars to the bad demons, rulers of + these places. Passing Soyots and Mongols pay tribute to the spirits by + hanging on the branches of the trees in the obo hatyk, long streamers of + blue silk, shreds torn from the lining of their coats or simply tufts of + hair cut from their horses’ manes; or by placing on the stones lumps of + meat or cups of tea and salt. + </p> + <p> + “Look at it,” said the Soyot. “The hatyks are torn off. The demons are + angry, they will not allow us to pass, Noyon. . . .” + </p> + <p> + He caught my hand and with supplicating voice whispered: “Let us go back, + Noyon; let us! The demons do not wish us to pass their mountains. For + twenty years no one has dared to pass these mountains and all bold men who + have tried have perished here. The demons fell upon them with snowstorm + and cold. Look! It is beginning already. . . . Go back to our Noyon, wait + for the warmer days and then. . . .” + </p> + <p> + I did not listen further to the Soyot but turned back to the fire, which I + could hardly see through the blinding snow. Fearing our guide might run + away, I ordered a sentry to be stationed for the night to watch him. Later + in the night I was awakened by the sentry, who said to me: “Maybe I am + mistaken, but I think I heard a rifle.” + </p> + <p> + What could I say to it? Maybe some stragglers like ourselves were giving a + sign of their whereabouts to their lost companions, or perhaps the sentry + had mistaken for a rifle shot the sound of some falling rock or frozen ice + and snow. Soon I fell asleep again and suddenly saw in a dream a very + clear vision. Out on the plain, blanketed deep with snow, was moving a + line of riders. They were our pack horses, our Kalmuck and the funny pied + horse with the Roman nose. I saw us descending from this snowy plateau + into a fold in the mountains. Here some larch trees were growing, close to + which gurgled a small, open brook. Afterwards I noticed a fire burning + among the trees and then woke up. + </p> + <p> + It grew light. I shook up the others and asked them to prepare quickly so + as not to lose time in getting under way. The storm was raging. The snow + blinded us and blotted out all traces of the road. The cold also became + more intense. At last we were in the saddles. The Soyot went ahead trying + to make out the trail. As we worked higher the guide less seldom lost the + way. Frequently we fell into deep holes covered with snow; we scrambled up + over slippery rocks. At last the Soyot swung his horse round and, coming + up to me, announced very positively: “I do not want to die with you and I + will not go further.” + </p> + <p> + My first motion was the swing of my whip back over my head. I was so close + to the “Promised Land” of Mongolia that this Soyot, standing in the way of + fulfilment of my wishes, seemed to me my worst enemy. But I lowered my + flourishing hand. Into my head flashed a quite wild thought. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” I said. “If you move your horses, you will receive a bullet in + the back and you will perish not at the top of the mountain but at the + bottom. And now I will tell you what will happen to us. When we shall have + reached these rocks above, the wind will have ceased and the snowstorm + will have subsided. The sun will shine as we cross the snowy plain above + and afterwards we shall descend into a small valley where there are + larches growing and a stream of open running water. There we shall light + our fires and spend the night.” + </p> + <p> + The Soyot began to tremble with fright. + </p> + <p> + “Noyon has already passed these mountains of Darkhat Ola?” he asked in + amazement. + </p> + <p> + “No,” I answered, “but last night I had a vision and I know that we shall + fortunately win over this ridge.” + </p> + <p> + “I will guide you!” exclaimed the Soyot, and, whipping his horse, led the + way up the steep slope to the top of the ridge of eternal snows. + </p> + <p> + As we were passing along the narrow edge of a precipice, the Soyot stopped + and attentively examined the trail. + </p> + <p> + “Today many shod horses have passed here!” he cried through the roar of + the storm. “Yonder on the snow the lash of a whip has been dragged. These + are not Soyots.” + </p> + <p> + The solution of this enigma appeared instantly. A volley rang out. One of + my companions cried out, as he caught hold of his right shoulder; one pack + horse fell dead with a bullet behind his ear. We quickly tumbled out of + our saddles, lay down behind the rocks and began to study the situation. + We were separated from a parallel spur of the mountain by a small valley + about one thousand paces across. There we made out about thirty riders + already dismounted and firing at us. I had never allowed any fighting to + be done until the initiative had been taken by the other side. Our enemy + fell upon us unawares and I ordered my company to answer. + </p> + <p> + “Aim at the horses!” cried Colonel Ostrovsky. Then he ordered the Tartar + and Soyot to throw our own animals. We killed six of theirs and probably + wounded others, as they got out of control. Also our rifles took toll of + any bold man who showed his head from behind his rock. We heard the angry + shouting and maledictions of Red soldiers who shot up our position more + and more animatedly. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly I saw our Soyot kick up three of the horses and spring into the + saddle of one with the others in leash behind. Behind him sprang up the + Tartar and the Kalmuck. I had already drawn my rifle on the Soyot but, as + soon as I saw the Tartar and Kalmuck on their lovely horses behind him, I + dropped my gun and knew all was well. The Reds let off a volley at the + trio but they made good their escape behind the rocks and disappeared. The + firing continued more and more lively and I did not know what to do. From + our side we shot rarely, saving our cartridges. Watching carefully the + enemy, I noticed two black points on the snow high above the Reds. They + slowly approached our antagonists and finally were hidden from view behind + some sharp hillocks. When they emerged from these, they were right on the + edge of some overhanging rocks at the foot of which the Reds lay concealed + from us. By this time I had no doubt that these were the heads of two men. + Suddenly these men rose up and I watched them flourish and throw something + that was followed by two deafening roars which re-echoed across the + mountain valley. Immediately a third explosion was followed by wild shouts + and disorderly firing among the Reds. Some of the horses rolled down the + slope into the snow below and the soldiers, chased by our shots, made off + as fast as they could down into the valley out of which we had come. + </p> + <p> + Afterward the Tartar told me the Soyot had proposed to guide them around + behind the Reds to fall upon their rear with the bombs. When I had bound + up the wounded shoulder of the officer and we had taken the pack off the + killed animal, we continued our journey. Our position was complicated. We + had no doubt that the Red detachment came up from Mongolia. Therefore, + were there Red troops in Mongolia? What was their strength? Where might we + meet them? Consequently, Mongolia was no more the Promised Land? Very sad + thoughts took possession of us. + </p> + <p> + But Nature pleased us. The wind gradually fell. The storm ceased. The sun + more and more frequently broke through the scudding clouds. We were + traveling upon a high, snow-covered plateau, where in one place the wind + blew it clean and in another piled it high with drifts which caught our + horses and held them so that they could hardly extricate themselves at + times. We had to dismount and wade through the white piles up to our + waists and often a man or horse was down and had to be helped to his feet. + At last the descent began and at sunset we stopped in the small larch + grove, spent the night at the fire among the trees and drank the tea + boiled in the water carried from the open mountain brook. In various + places we came across the tracks of our recent antagonists. + </p> + <p> + Everything, even Nature herself and the angry demons of Darkhat Ola, had + helped us: but we were not gay, because again before us lay the dread + uncertainty that threatened us with new and possibly destructive dangers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <h3> + THE RIVER OF THE DEVIL + </h3> + <p> + Ulan Taiga with Darkhat Ola lay behind us. We went forward very rapidly + because the Mongol plains began here, free from the impediments of + mountains. Everywhere splendid grazing lands stretched away. In places + there were groves of larch. We crossed some very rapid streams but they + were not deep and they had hard beds. After two days of travel over the + Darkhat plain we began meeting Soyots driving their cattle rapidly toward + the northwest into Orgarkha Ola. They communicated to us very unpleasant + news. + </p> + <p> + The Bolsheviki from the Irkutsk district had crossed the Mongolian border, + captured the Russian colony at Khathyl on the southern shore of Lake + Kosogol and turned, off south toward Muren Kure, a Russian settlement + beside a big Lamaite monastery sixty miles south of Kosogol. The Mongols + told us there were no Russian troops between Khathyl and Muren Kure, so we + decided to pass between these two points to reach Van Kure farther to the + east. We took leave of our Soyot guide and, after having sent three scouts + in advance, moved forward. From the mountains around the Kosogol we + admired the splendid view of this broad Alpine lake. It was set like a + sapphire in the old gold of the surrounding hills, chased with lovely bits + of rich dark forestry. At night we approached Khathyl with great + precaution and stopped on the shore of the river that flows from Kosogol, + the Yaga or Egingol. We found a Mongol who agreed to transport us to the + other bank of the frozen stream and to lead us by a safe road between + Khathyl and Muren Kure. Everywhere along the shore of the river were found + large obo and small shrines to the demons of the stream. + </p> + <p> + “Why are there so many obo?” we asked the Mongol. + </p> + <p> + “It is the River of the Devil, dangerous and crafty,” replied the Mongol. + “Two days ago a train of carts went through the ice and three of them with + five soldiers were lost.” + </p> + <p> + We started to cross. The surface of the river resembled a thick piece of + looking-glass, being clear and without snow. Our horses walked very + carefully but some fell and floundered before they could regain their + feet. We were leading them by the bridle. With bowed heads and trembling + all over they kept their frightened eyes ever on the ice at their feet. I + looked down and understood their fear. Through the cover of one foot of + transparent ice one could clearly see the bottom of the river. Under the + lighting of the moon all the stones, the holes and even some of the + grasses were distinctly visible, even though the depth was ten metres and + more. The Yaga rushed under the ice with a furious speed, swirling and + marking its course with long bands of foam and bubbles. Suddenly I jumped + and stopped as though fastened to the spot. Along the surface of the river + ran the boom of a cannon, followed by a second and a third. + </p> + <p> + “Quicker, quicker!” cried our Mongol, waving us forward with his hand. + </p> + <p> + Another cannon boom and a crack ran right close to us. The horses swung + back on their haunches in protest, reared and fell, many of them striking + their heads severely on the ice. In a second it opened up two feet wide, + so that I could follow its jagged course along the surface. Immediately up + out of the opening the water spread over the ice with a rush. + </p> + <p> + “Hurry, hurry!” shouted the guide. + </p> + <p> + With great difficulty we forced our horses to jump over this cleavage and + to continue on further. They trembled and disobeyed and only the strong + lash forced them to forget this panic of fear and go on. + </p> + <p> + When we were safe on the farther bank and well into the woods, our Mongol + guide recounted to us how the river at times opens in this mysterious way + and leaves great areas of clear water. All the men and animals on the + river at such times must perish. The furious current of cold water will + always carry them down under the ice. At other times a crack has been + known to pass right under a horse and, where he fell in with his front + feet in the attempt to get back to the other side, the crack has closed up + and ground his legs or feet right off. + </p> + <p> + The valley of Kosogol is the crater of an extinct volcano. Its outlines + may be followed from the high west shore of the lake. However, the + Plutonic force still acts and, asserting the glory of the Devil, forces + the Mongols to build obo and offer sacrifices at his shrines. We spent all + the night and all the next day hurrying away eastward to avoid a meeting + with the Reds and seeking good pasturage for our horses. At about nine + o’clock in the evening a fire shone out of the distance. My friend and I + made toward it with the feeling that it was surely a Mongol yurta beside + which we could camp in safety. We traveled over a mile before making out + distinctly the lines of a group of yurtas. But nobody came out to meet us + and, what astonished us more, we were not surrounded by the angry black + Mongolian dogs with fiery eyes. Still, from the distance we had seen the + fire and so there must be someone there. We dismounted from our horses and + approached on foot. From out of the yurta rushed two Russian soldiers, one + of whom shot at me with his pistol but missed me and wounded my horse in + the back through the saddle. I brought him to earth with my Mauser and the + other was killed by the butt end of my friend’s rifle. We examined the + bodies and found in their pockets the papers of soldiers of the Second + Squadron of the Communist Interior Defence. Here we spent the night. The + owners of the yurtas had evidently run away, for the Red soldiers had + collected and packed in sacks the property of the Mongols. Probably they + were just planning to leave, as they were fully dressed. We acquired two + horses, which we found in the bushes, two rifles and two automatic pistols + with cartridges. In the saddle bags we also found tea, tobacco, matches + and cartridges—all of these valuable supplies to help us keep + further hold on our lives. + </p> + <p> + Two days later we were approaching the shore of the River Uri when we met + two Russian riders, who were the Cossacks of a certain Ataman Sutunin, + acting against the Bolsheviki in the valley of the River Selenga. They + were riding to carry a message from Sutunin to Kaigorodoff, chief of the + Anti-Bolsheviki in the Altai region. They informed us that along the whole + Russian-Mongolian border the Bolshevik troops were scattered; also that + Communist agitators had penetrated to Kiakhta, Ulankom and Kobdo and had + persuaded the Chinese authorities to surrender to the Soviet authorities + all the refugees from Russia. We knew that in the neighborhood of Urga and + Van Kure engagements were taking place between the Chinese troops and the + detachments of the Anti-Bolshevik Russian General Baron Ungern Sternberg + and Colonel Kazagrandi, who were fighting for the independence of Outer + Mongolia. Baron Ungern had now been twice defeated, so that the Chinese + were carrying on high-handed in Urga, suspecting all foreigners of having + relations with the Russian General. + </p> + <p> + We realized that the whole situation was sharply reversed. The route to + the Pacific was closed. Reflecting very carefully over the problem, I + decided that we had but one possible exit left. We must avoid all + Mongolian cities with Chinese administration, cross Mongolia from north to + south, traverse the desert in the southern part of the Principality of + Jassaktu Khan, enter the Gobi in the western part of Inner Mongolia, + strike as rapidly as possible through sixty miles of Chinese territory in + the Province of Kansu and penetrate into Tibet. Here I hoped to search out + one of the English Consuls and with his help to reach some English port in + India. I understood thoroughly all the difficulties incident to such an + enterprise but I had no other choice. It only remained to make this last + foolish attempt or to perish without doubt at the hands of the Boisheviki + or languish in a Chinese prison. When I announced my plan to my + companions, without in any way hiding from them all its dangers and + quixotism, all of them answered very quickly and shortly: “Lead us! We + will follow.” + </p> + <p> + One circumstance was distinctly in our favor. We did not fear hunger, for + we had some supplies of tea, tobacco and matches and a surplus of horses, + saddles, rifles, overcoats and boots, which were an excellent currency for + exchange. So then we began to initiate the plan of the new expedition. We + should start to the south, leaving the town of Uliassutai on our right and + taking the direction of Zaganluk, then pass through the waste lands of the + district of Balir of Jassaktu Khan, cross the Naron Khuhu Gobi and strike + for the mountains of Boro. Here we should be able to take a long rest to + recuperate the strength of our horses and of ourselves. The second section + of our journey would be the passage through the western part of Inner + Mongolia, through the Little Gobi, through the lands of the Torguts, over + the Khara Mountains, across Kansu, where our road must be chosen to the + west of the Chinese town of Suchow. From there we should have to enter the + Dominion of Kuku Nor and then work on southward to the head waters of the + Yangtze River. Beyond this I had but a hazy notion, which however I was + able to verify from a map of Asia in the possession of one of the + officers, to the effect that the mountain chains to the west of the + sources of the Yangtze separated that river system from the basin of the + Brahmaputra in Tibet Proper, where I expected to be able to find English + assistance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <h3> + THE MARCH OF GHOSTS + </h3> + <p> + In no other way can I describe the journey from the River Ero to the + border of Tibet. About eleven hundred miles through the snowy steppes, + over mountains and across deserts we traveled in forty-eight days. We hid + from the people as we journeyed, made short stops in the most desolate + places, fed for whole weeks on nothing but raw, frozen meat in order to + avoid attracting attention by the smoke of fires. Whenever we needed to + purchase a sheep or a steer for our supply department, we sent out only + two unarmed men who represented to the natives that they were the workmen + of some Russian colonists. We even feared to shoot, although we met a + great herd of antelopes numbering as many as five thousand head. Behind + Balir in the lands of the Lama Jassaktu Khan, who had inherited his throne + as a result of the poisoning of his brother at Urga by order of the Living + Buddha, we met wandering Russian Tartars who had driven their herds all + the way from Altai and Abakan. They welcomed us very cordially, gave us + oxen and thirty-six bricks of tea. Also they saved us from inevitable + destruction, for they told us that at this season it was utterly + impossible for horses to make the trip across the Gobi, where there was no + grass at all. We must buy camels by exchanging for them our horses and + some other of our bartering supplies. One of the Tartars the next day + brought to their camp a rich Mongol with whom he drove the bargain for + this trade. He gave us nineteen camels and took all our horses, one rifle, + one pistol and the best Cossack saddle. He advised us by all means to + visit the sacred Monastery of Narabanchi, the last Lamaite monastery on + the road from Mongolia to Tibet. He told us that the Holy Hutuktu, “the + Incarnate Buddha,” would be greatly offended if we did not visit the + monastery and his famous “Shrine of Blessings,” where all travelers going + to Tibet always offered prayers. Our Kalmuck Lamaite supported the Mongol + in this. I decided to go there with the Kalmuck. The Tartars gave me some + big silk hatyk as presents and loaned us four splendid horses. Although + the monastery was fifty-five miles distant, by nine o’clock in the evening + I entered the yurta of this holy Hutuktu. + </p> + <p> + He was a middle-aged, clean shaven, spare little man, laboring under the + name of Jelyb Djamsrap Hutuktu. He received us very cordially and was + greatly pleased with the presentation of the hatyk and with my knowledge + of the Mongol etiquette in which my Tartar had been long and persistently + instructing me. He listened to me most attentively and gave valuable + advice about the road, presenting me then with a ring which has since + opened for me the doors of all Lamaite monasteries. The name of this + Hutuktu is highly esteemed not only in all Mongolia but in Tibet and in + the Lamaite world of China. We spent the night in his splendid yurta and + on the following morning visited the shrines where they were conducting + very solemn services with the music of gongs, tom-toms and whistling. The + Lamas with their deep voices were intoning the prayers while the lesser + priests answered with their antiphonies. The sacred phrase: “Om! Mani + padme Hung!” was endlessly repeated. + </p> + <p> + The Hutuktu wished us success, presented us with a large yellow hatyk and + accompanied us to the monastery gate. When we were in our saddles he said: + </p> + <p> + “Remember that you are always welcome guests here. Life is very + complicated and anything may happen. Perhaps you will be forced in future + to re-visit distant Mongolia and then do not miss Narabanchi Kure.” + </p> + <p> + That night we returned to the Tartars and the next day continued our + journey. As I was very tired, the slow, easy motion of the camel was + welcome and restful to me. All the day I dozed off at intervals to sleep. + It turned out to be very disastrous for me; for, when my camel was going + up the steep bank of a river, in one of my naps I fell off and hit my head + on a stone, lost consciousness and woke up to find my overcoat covered + with blood. My friends surrounded me with their frightened faces. They + bandaged my head and we started off again. I only learned long afterwards + from a doctor who examined me that I had cracked my skull as the price of + my siesta. + </p> + <p> + We crossed the eastern ranges of the Altai and the Karlik Tag, which are + the most oriental sentinels the great Tian Shan system throws out into the + regions of the Gobi; and then traversed from the north to the south the + entire width of the Khuhu Gobi. Intense cold ruled all this time and + fortunately the frozen sands gave us better speed. Before passing the + Khara range, we exchanged our rocking-chair steeds for horses, a deal in + which the Torguts skinned us badly like the true “old clothes men” they + are. + </p> + <p> + Skirting around these mountains we entered Kansu. It was a dangerous move, + for the Chinese were arresting all refugees and I feared for my Russian + fellow-travelers. During the days we hid in the ravines, the forests and + bushes, making forced marches at night. Four days we thus used in this + passage of Kansu. The few Chinese peasants we did encounter were peaceful + appearing and most hospitable. A marked sympathetic interest surrounded + the Kalmuck, who could speak a bit of Chinese, and my box of medicines. + Everywhere we found many ill people, chiefly afflicted with eye troubles, + rheumatism and skin diseases. + </p> + <p> + As we were approaching Nan Shan, the northeast branch of the Altyn Tag + (which is in turn the east branch of the Pamir and Karakhorum system), we + overhauled a large caravan of Chinese merchants going to Tibet and joined + them. For three days we were winding through the endless ravine-like + valleys of these mountains and ascending the high passes. But we noticed + that the Chinese knew how to pick the easiest routes for caravans over all + these difficult places. In a state of semi-consciousness I made this whole + journey toward the large group of swampy lakes, feeding the Koko Nor and a + whole network of large rivers. From fatigue and constant nervous strain, + probably helped by the blow on my head, I began suffering from sharp + attacks of chills and fever, burning up at times and then chattering so + with my teeth that I frightened my horse who several times threw me from + the saddle. I raved, cried out at times and even wept. I called my family + and instructed them how they must come to me. I remember as though through + a dream how I was taken from the horse by my companions, laid on the + ground, supplied with Chinese brandy and, when I recovered a little, how + they said to me: + </p> + <p> + “The Chinese merchants are heading for the west and we must travel south.” + </p> + <p> + “No! To the north,” I replied very sharply. + </p> + <p> + “But no, to the south,” my companions assured me. + </p> + <p> + “God and the Devil!” I angrily ejaculated, “we have just swum the Little + Yenisei and Algyak is to the north!” + </p> + <p> + “We are in Tibet,” remonstrated my companions. “We must reach the + Brahmaputra.” + </p> + <p> + Brahmaputra. . . . Brahmaputra. . . . This word revolved in my fiery + brain, made a terrible noise and commotion. Suddenly I remembered + everything and opened my eyes. I hardly moved my lips and soon I again + lost consciousness. My companions brought me to the monastery of Sharkhe, + where the Lama doctor quickly brought me round with a solution of fatil or + Chinese ginseng. In discussing our plans he expressed grave doubt as to + whether we would get through Tibet but he did not wish to explain to me + the reason for his doubts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <h3> + IN MYSTERIOUS TIBET + </h3> + <p> + A fairly broad road led out from Sharkhe through the mountains and on the + fifth day of our two weeks’ march to the south from the monastery we + emerged into the great bowl of the mountains in whose center lay the large + lake of Koko Nor. If Finland deserves the ordinary title of the “Land of + Ten Thousand Lakes,” the dominion of Koko Nor may certainly with justice + be called the “Country of a Million Lakes.” We skirted this lake on the + west between it and Doulan Kitt, zigzagging between the numerous swamps, + lakes and small rivers, deep and miry. The water was not here covered with + ice and only on the tops of the mountains did we feel the cold winds + sharply. We rarely met the natives of the country and only with greatest + difficulty did our Kalmuck learn the course of the road from the + occasional shepherds we passed. From the eastern shore of the Lake of + Tassoun we worked round to a monastery on the further side, where we + stopped for a short rest. Besides ourselves there was also another group + of guests in the holy place. These were Tibetans. Their behavior was very + impertinent and they refused to speak with us. They were all armed, + chiefly with the Russian military rifles and were draped with crossed + bandoliers of cartridges with two or three pistols stowed beneath belts + with more cartridges sticking out. They examined us very sharply and we + readily realized that they were estimating our martial strength. After + they had left on that same day I ordered our Kalmuck to inquire from the + High Priest of the temple exactly who they were. For a long time the monk + gave evasive answers but when I showed him the ring of Hutuktu Narabanchi + and presented him with a large yellow hatyk, he became more communicative. + </p> + <p> + “Those are bad people,” he explained. “Have a care of them.” + </p> + <p> + However, he was not willing to give their names, explaining his refusal by + citing the Law of Buddhist lands against pronouncing the name of one’s + father, teacher or chief. Afterwards I found out that in North Tibet there + exists the same custom as in North China. Here and there bands of + hunghutze wander about. They appear at the headquarters of the leading + trading firms and at the monasteries, claim tribute and after their + collections become the protectors of the district. Probably this Tibetan + monastery had in this band just such protectors. + </p> + <p> + When we continued our trip, we frequently noticed single horsemen far away + or on the horizon, apparently studying our movements with care. All our + attempts to approach them and enter into conversation with them were + entirely unsuccessful. On their speedy little horses they disappeared like + shadows. As we reached the steep and difficult Pass on the Hamshan and + were preparing to spend the night there, suddenly far up on a ridge above + us appeared about forty horsemen with entirely white mounts and without + formal introduction or warning spattered us with a hail of bullets. Two of + our officers fell with a cry. One had been instantly killed while the + other lived some few minutes. I did not allow my men to shoot but instead + I raised a white flag and started forward with the Kalmuck for a parley. + At first they fired two shots at us but then ceased firing and sent down a + group of riders from the ridge toward us. We began the parley. The + Tibetans explained that Hamshan is a holy mountain and that here one must + not spend the night, advising us to proceed farther where we could + consider ourselves in safety. They inquired from us whence we came and + whither we were going, stated in answer to our information about the + purpose of our journey that they knew the Bolsheviki and considered them + the liberators of the people of Asia from the yoke of the white race. I + certainly did not want to begin a political quarrel with them and so + turned back to our companions. Riding down the slope toward our camp, I + waited momentarily for a shot in the back but the Tibetan hunghutze did + not shoot. + </p> + <p> + We moved forward, leaving among the stones the bodies of two of our + companions as sad tribute to the difficulties and dangers of our journey. + We rode all night, with our exhausted horses constantly stopping and some + lying down under us, but we forced them ever onward. At last, when the sun + was at its zenith, we finally halted. Without unsaddling our horses, we + gave them an opportunity to lie down for a little rest. Before us lay a + broad, swampy plain, where was evidently the sources of the river Ma-chu. + Not far beyond lay the Lake of Aroung Nor. We made our fire of cattle dung + and began boiling water for our tea. Again without any warning the bullets + came raining in from all sides. Immediately we took cover behind + convenient rocks and waited developments. The firing became faster and + closer, the raiders appeared on the whole circle round us and the bullets + came ever in increasing numbers. We had fallen into a trap and had no hope + but to perish. We realized this clearly. I tried anew to begin the parley; + but when I stood up with my white flag, the answer was only a thicker rain + of bullets and unfortunately one of these, ricocheting off a rock, struck + me in the left leg and lodged there. At the same moment another one of our + company was killed. We had no other choice and were forced to begin + fighting. The struggle continued for about two hours. Besides myself three + others received slight wounds. We resisted as long as we could. The + hunghutze approached and our situation became desperate. + </p> + <p> + “There’s no choice,” said one of my associates, a very expert Colonel. “We + must mount and ride for it . . . anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Anywhere. . . .” It was a terrible word! We consulted for but an instant. + It was apparent that with this band of cut-throats behind us the farther + we went into Tibet, the less chance we had of saving our lives. + </p> + <p> + We decided to return to Mongolia. But how? That we did not know. And thus + we began our retreat. Firing all the time, we trotted our horses as fast + as we could toward the north. One after another three of my companions + fell. There lay my Tartar with a bullet through his neck. After him two + young and fine stalwart officers were carried from their saddles with + cries of death, while their scared horses broke out across the plain in + wild fear, perfect pictures of our distraught selves. This emboldened the + Tibetans, who became more and more audacious. A bullet struck the buckle + on the ankle strap of my right foot and carried it, with a piece of + leather and cloth, into my leg just above the ankle. My old and much tried + friend, the agronome, cried out as he grasped his shoulder and then I saw + him wiping and bandaging as best as he could his bleeding forehead. A + second afterward our Kalmuck was hit twice right through the palm of the + same hand, so that it was entirely shattered. Just at this moment fifteen + of the hunghutze rushed against us in a charge. + </p> + <p> + “Shoot at them with volley fire!” commanded our Colonel. + </p> + <p> + Six robber bodies lay on the turf, while two others of the gang were + unhorsed and ran scampering as fast as they could after their retreating + fellows. Several minutes later the fire of our antagonists ceased and they + raised a white flag. Two riders came forward toward us. In the parley it + developed that their chief had been wounded through the chest and they + came to ask us to “render first aid.” At once I saw a ray of hope. I took + my box of medicines and my groaning, cursing, wounded Kalmuck to interpret + for me. + </p> + <p> + “Give that devil some cyanide of potassium,” urged my companions. + </p> + <p> + But I devised another scheme. + </p> + <p> + We were led to the wounded chief. There he lay on the saddle cloths among + the rocks, represented to us to be a Tibetan but I at once recognized him + from his cast of countenance to be a Sart or Turcoman, probably from the + southern part of Turkestan. He looked at me with a begging and frightened + gaze. Examining him, I found the bullet had passed through his chest from + left to right, that he had lost much blood and was very weak. + Conscientiously I did all that I could for him. In the first place I tried + on my own tongue all the medicines to be used on him, even the iodoform, + in order to demonstrate that there was no poison among them. I cauterized + the wound with iodine, sprinkled it with iodoform and applied the + bandages. I ordered that the wounded man be not touched nor moved and that + he be left right where he lay. Then I taught a Tibetan how the dressing + must be changed and left with him medicated cotton, bandages and a little + iodoform. To the patient, in whom the fever was already developing, I gave + a big dose of aspirin and left several tablets of quinine with them. + Afterwards, addressing myself to the bystanders through my Kalmuck, I said + very solemnly: + </p> + <p> + “The wound is very dangerous but I gave to your Chief very strong medicine + and hope that he will recover. One condition, however, is necessary: the + bad demons which have rushed to his side for his unwarranted attack upon + us innocent travelers will instantly kill him, if another shot is let off + against us. You must not even keep a single cartridge in your rifles.” + </p> + <p> + With these words I ordered the Kalmuck to empty his rifle and I, at the + same time, took all the cartridges out of my Mauser. The Tibetans + instantly and very servilely followed my example. + </p> + <p> + “Remember that I told you: ‘Eleven days and eleven nights do not move from + this place and do not charge your rifles.’ Otherwise the demon of death + will snatch off your Chief and will pursue you!”—and with these + words I solemnly drew forth and raised above their heads the ring of + Hutuktu Narabanchi. + </p> + <p> + I returned to my companions and calmed them. I told them we were safe + against further attack from the robbers and that we must only guess the + way to reach Mongolia. Our horses were so exhausted and thin that on their + bones we could have hung our overcoats. We spent two days here, during + which time I frequently visited my patient. It also gave us opportunity to + bandage our own fortunately light wounds and to secure a little rest; + though unfortunately I had nothing but a jackknife with which to dig the + bullet out of my left calf and the shoemaker’s accessories from my right + ankle. Inquiring from the brigands about the caravan roads, we soon made + our way out to one of the main routes and had the good fortune to meet + there the caravan of the young Mongol Prince Pounzig, who was on a holy + mission carrying a message from the Living Buddha in Urga to the Dalai + Lama in Lhasa. He helped us to purchase horses, camels and food. + </p> + <p> + With all our arms and supplies spent in barter during the journey for the + purchase of transport and food, we returned stripped and broken to the + Narabanchi Monastery, where we were welcomed by the Hutuktu. + </p> + <p> + “I knew you would come back,” said he. “The divinations revealed it all to + me.” + </p> + <p> + With six of our little band left behind us in Tibet to pay the eternal + toll of our dash for the south we returned but twelve to the Monastery and + waited there two weeks to re-adjust ourselves and learn how events would + again set us afloat on this turbulent sea to steer for any port that + Destiny might indicate. The officers enlisted in the detachment which was + then being formed in Mongolia to fight against the destroyers of their + native land, the Bolsheviki. My original companion and I prepared to + continue our journey over Mongolian plains with whatever further + adventures and dangers might come in the struggle to escape to a place of + safety. + </p> + <p> + And now, with the scenes of that trying march so vividly recalled, I would + dedicate these chapters to my gigantic, old and ruggedly tried friend, the + agronome, to my Russian fellow-travelers, and especially, to the sacred + memory of those of our companions whose bodies lie cradled in the sleep + among the mountains of Tibet—Colonel Ostrovsky, Captains Zuboff and + Turoff, Lieutenant Pisarjevsky, Cossack Vernigora and Tartar Mahomed + Spirin. Also here I express my deep thanks for help and friendship to the + Prince of Soldjak, Hereditary Noyon Ta Lama and to the Kampo Gelong of + Narabanchi Monastery, the honorable Jelyb Djamsrap Hutuktu. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART2" id="link2H_PART2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Part II + </h2> + <h3> + THE LAND OF DEMONS + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <h3> + MYSTERIOUS MONGOLIA + </h3> + <p> + In the heart of Asia lies the enormous, mysterious and rich country of + Mongolia. From somewhere on the snowy slopes of the Tian Shan and from the + hot sands of Western Zungaria to the timbered ridges of the Sayan and to + the Great Wall of China it stretches over a huge portion of Central Asia. + The cradle of peoples, histories and legends; the native land of bloody + conquerors, who have left here their capitals covered by the sand of the + Gobi, their mysterious rings and their ancient nomad laws; the states of + monks and evil devils, the country of wandering tribes administered by the + descendants of Jenghiz Khan and Kublai Khan—Khans and Princes of the + Junior lines: that is Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + Mysterious country of the cults of Rama, Sakkia-Mouni, Djonkapa and Paspa, + cults guarded by the very person of the living Buddha—Buddha + incarnated in the third dignitary of the Lamaite religion—Bogdo + Gheghen in Ta Kure or Urga; the land of mysterious doctors, prophets, + sorcerers, fortune-tellers and witches; the land of the sign of the + swastika; the land which has not forgotten the thoughts of the long + deceased great potentates of Asia and of half of Europe: that is Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + The land of nude mountains, of plains burned by the sun and killed by the + cold, of ill cattle and ill people; the nest of pests, anthrax and + smallpox; the land of boiling hot springs and of mountain passes inhabited + by demons; of sacred lakes swarming with fish; of wolves, rare species of + deer and mountain goats, marmots in millions, wild horses, wild donkeys + and wild camels that have never known the bridle, ferocious dogs and + rapacious birds of prey which devour the dead bodies cast out on the + plains by the people: that is Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + The land whose disappearing primitive people gaze upon the bones of their + forefathers whitening in the sands and dust of their plains; where are + dying out the people who formerly conquered China, Siam, Northern India + and Russia and broke their chests against the iron lances of the Polish + knights, defending then all the Christian world against the invasion of + wild and wandering Asia: that is Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + The land swelling with natural riches, producing nothing, in need of + everything, destitute and suffering from the world’s cataclysm: that is + Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + In this land, by order of Fate, after my unsuccessful attempt to reach the + Indian Ocean through Tibet, I spent half a year in the struggle to live + and to escape. My old and faithful friend and I were compelled, + willy-nilly, to participate in the exceedingly important and dangerous + events transpiring in Mongolia in the year of grace 1921. Thanks to this, + I came to know the calm, good and honest Mongolian people; I read their + souls, saw their sufferings and hopes; I witnessed the whole horror of + their oppression and fear before the face of Mystery, there where Mystery + pervades all life. I watched the rivers during the severe cold break with + a rumbling roar their chains of ice; saw lakes cast up on their shores the + bones of human beings; heard unknown wild voices in the mountain ravines; + made out the fires over miry swamps of the will-o’-the-wisps; witnessed + burning lakes; gazed upward to mountains whose peaks could not be scaled; + came across great balls of writhing snakes in the ditches in winter; met + with streams which are eternally frozen, rocks like petrified caravans of + camels, horsemen and carts; and over all saw the barren mountains whose + folds looked like the mantle of Satan, which the glow of the evening sun + drenched with blood. + </p> + <p> + “Look up there!” cried an old shepherd, pointing to the slope of the + cursed Zagastai. “That is no mountain. It is HE who lies in his red mantle + and awaits the day when he will rise again to begin the fight with the + good spirits.” + </p> + <p> + And as he spoke I recalled the mystic picture of the noted painter + Vroubel. The same nude mountains with the violet and purple robes of + Satan, whose face is half covered by an approaching grey cloud. Mongolia + is a terrible land of mystery and demons. Therefore it is no wonder that + here every violation of the ancient order of life of the wandering nomad + tribes is transformed into streams of red blood and horror, ministering to + the demonic pleasure of Satan couched on the bare mountains and robed in + the grey cloak of dejection and sadness, or in the purple mantle of war + and vengeance. + </p> + <p> + After returning from the district of Koko Nor to Mongolia and resting a + few days at the Narabanchi Monastery, we went to live in Uliassutai, the + capital of Western Outer Mongolia. It is the last purely Mongolian town to + the west. In Mongolia there are but three purely Mongolian towns, Urga, + Uliassutai and Ulankom. The fourth town, Kobdo, has an essentially Chinese + character, being the center of Chinese administration in this district + inhabited by the wandering tribes only nominally recognizing the influence + of either Peking or Urga. In Uliassutai and Ulankom, besides the unlawful + Chinese commissioners and troops, there were stationed Mongolian governors + or “Saits,” appointed by the decree of the Living Buddha. + </p> + <p> + When we arrived in that town, we were at once in the sea of political + passions. The Mongols were protesting in great agitation against the + Chinese policy in their country; the Chinese raged and demanded from the + Mongolians the payment of taxes for the full period since the autonomy of + Mongolia had been forcibly extracted from Peking; Russian colonists who + had years before settled near the town and in the vicinity of the great + monasteries or among the wandering tribes had separated into factions and + were fighting against one another; from Urga came the news of the struggle + for the maintenance of the independence of Outer Mongolia, led by the + Russian General, Baron Ungern von Sternberg; Russian officers and refugees + congregated in detachments, against which the Chinese authorities + protested but which the Mongols welcomed; the Bolsheviki, worried by the + formation of White detachments in Mongolia, sent their troops to the + borders of Mongolia; from Irkutsk and Chita to Uliassutai and Urga envoys + were running from the Bolsheviki to the Chinese commissioners with various + proposals of all kinds; the Chinese authorities in Mongolia were gradually + entering into secret relations with the Bolsheviki and in Kiakhta and + Ulankom delivered to them the Russian refugees, thus violating recognized + international law; in Urga the Bolsheviki set up a Russian communistic + municipality; Russian Consuls were inactive; Red troops in the region of + Kosogol and the valley of the Selenga had encounters with Anti-Bolshevik + officers; the Chinese authorities established garrisons in the Mongolian + towns and sent punitive expeditions into the country; and, to complete the + confusion, the Chinese troops carried out house-to-house searches, during + which they plundered and stole. + </p> + <p> + Into what an atmosphere we had fallen after our hard and dangerous trip + along the Yenisei, through Urianhai, Mongolia, the lands of the Turguts, + Kansu and Koko Nor! + </p> + <p> + “Do you know,” said my old friend to me, “I prefer strangling Partisans + and fighting with the hunghutze to listening to news and more anxious + news!” + </p> + <p> + He was right; for the worst of it was that in this bustle and whirl of + facts, rumours and gossip the Reds could approach troubled Uliassutai and + take everyone with their bare hands. We should very willingly have left + this town of uncertainties but we had no place to go. In the north were + the hostile Partisans and Red troops; to the south we had already lost our + companions and not a little of our own blood; to the west raged the + Chinese administrators and detachments; and to the east a war had broken + out, the news of which, in spite of the attempts of the Chinese + authorities at secrecy, had filtered through and had testified to the + seriousness of the situation in this part of Outer Mongolia. Consequently + we had no choice but to remain in Uliassutai. Here also were living + several Polish soldiers who had escaped from the prison camps in Russia, + two Polish families and two American firms, all in the same plight as + ourselves. We joined together and made our own intelligence department, + very carefully watching the evolution of events. We succeeded in forming + good connections with the Chinese commissioner and with the Mongolian + Sait, which greatly helped us in our orientation. + </p> + <p> + What was behind all these events in Mongolia? The very clever Mongol Sait + of Uliassutai gave me the following explanation. + </p> + <p> + “According to the agreements between Mongolia, China and Russia of October + 21, 1912, of October 23, 1913, and of June 7, 1915, Outer Mongolia was + accorded independence and the Moral Head of our ‘Yellow Faith,’ His + Holiness the Living Buddha, became the Suzerain of the Mongolian people of + Khalkha or Outer Mongolia with the title of ‘Bogdo Djebtsung Damba Hutuktu + Khan.’ While Russia was still strong and carefully watched her policy in + Asia, the Government of Peking kept the treaty; but, when, at the + beginning of the war with Germany, Russia was compelled to withdraw her + troops from Siberia, Peking began to claim the return of its lost rights + in Mongolia. It was because of this that the first two treaties of 1912 + and 1913 were supplemented by the convention of 1915. However, in 1916, + when all the forces of Russia were pre-occupied in the unsuccessful war + and afterwards when the first Russian revolution broke out in February, + 1917, overthrowing the Romanoff Dynasty, the Chinese Government openly + retook Mongolia. They changed all the Mongolian ministers and Saits, + replacing them with individuals friendly to China; arrested many Mongolian + autonomists and sent them to prison in Peking; set up their administration + in Urga and other Mongol towns; actually removed His Holiness Bogdo Khan + from the affairs of administration; made him only a machine for signing + Chinese decrees; and at last introduced into Mongolia their troops. From + that moment there developed an energetic flow of Chinese merchants and + coolies into Mongolia. The Chinese began to demand the payment of taxes + and dues from 1912. The Mongolian population were rapidly stripped of + their wealth and now in the vicinities of our towns and monasteries you + can see whole settlements of beggar Mongols living in dugouts. All our + Mongol arsenals and treasuries were requisitioned. All monasteries were + forced to pay taxes; all Mongols working for the liberty of their country + were persecuted; through bribery with Chinese silver, orders and titles + the Chinese secured a following among the poorer Mongol Princes. It is + easy to understand how the governing class, His Holiness, Khans, Princes, + and high Lamas, as well as the ruined and oppressed people, remembering + that the Mongol rulers had once held Peking and China in their hands and + under their reign had given her the first place in Asia, were definitely + hostile to the Chinese administrators acting thus. Insurrection was, + however, impossible. We had no arms. All our leaders were under + surveillance and every movement by them toward an armed resistance would + have ended in the same prison at Peking where eighty of our Nobles, + Princes and Lamas died from hunger and torture after a previous struggle + for the liberty of Mongolia. Some abnormally strong shock was necessary to + drive the people into action. This was given by the Chinese + administrators, General Cheng Yi and General Chu Chi-hsiang. They + announced that His Holiness Bogdo Khan was under arrest in his own palace, + and they recalled to his attention the former decree of the Peking + Government—held by the Mongols to be unwarranted and illegal—that + His Holiness was the last Living Buddha. This was enough. Immediately + secret relations were made between the people and their Living God, and + plans were at once elaborated for the liberation of His Holiness and for + the struggle for liberty and freedom of our people. We were helped by the + great Prince of the Buriats, Djam Bolon, who began parleys with General + Ungern, then engaged in fighting the Bolsheviki in Transbaikalia, and + invited him to enter Mongolia and help in the war against the Chinese. + Then our struggle for liberty began.” + </p> + <p> + Thus the Sait of Uliassutai explained the situation to me. Afterwards I + heard that Baron Ungern, who had agreed to fight for the liberty of + Mongolia, directed that the mobilization of the Mongolians in the northern + districts be forwarded at once and promised to enter Mongolia with his own + small detachment, moving along the River Kerulen. Afterwards he took up + relations with the other Russian detachment of Colonel Kazagrandi and, + together with the mobilized Mongolian riders, began the attack on Urga. + Twice he was defeated but on the third of February, 1921, he succeeded in + capturing the town and replaced the Living Buddha on the throne of the + Khans. + </p> + <p> + At the end of March, however, these events were still unknown in + Uliassutai. We knew neither of the fall of Urga nor of the destruction of + the Chinese army of nearly 15,000 in the battles of Maimachen on the shore + of the Tola and on the roads between Urga and Ude. The Chinese carefully + concealed the truth by preventing anybody from passing westward from Urga. + However, rumours existed and troubled all. The atmosphere became more and + more tense, while the relations between the Chinese on the one side and + the Mongolians and Russians on the other became more and more strained. At + this time the Chinese Commissioner in Uliassutai was Wang Tsao-tsun and + his advisor, Fu Hsiang, both very young and inexperienced men. The Chinese + authorities had dismissed the Uliassutai Sait, the prominent Mongolian + patriot, Prince Chultun Beyle, and had appointed a Lama Prince friendly to + China, the former Vice-Minister of War in Urga. Oppression increased. The + searching of Russian officers’ and colonists’ houses and quarters + commenced, open relations with the Bolsheviki followed and arrest and + beatings became common. The Russian officers formed a secret detachment of + sixty men so that they could defend themselves. However, in this + detachment disagreements soon sprang up between Lieutenant-Colonel M. M. + Michailoff and some of his officers. It was evident that in the decisive + moment the detachment must separate into factions. + </p> + <p> + We foreigners in council decided to make a thorough reconnaissance in + order to know whether there was danger of Red troops arriving. My old + companion and I agreed to do this scouting. Prince Chultun Beyle gave us a + very good guide—an old Mongol named Tzeren, who spoke and read + Russian perfectly. He was a very interesting personage, holding the + position of interpreter with the Mongolian authorities and sometimes with + the Chinese Commissioner. Shortly before he had been sent as a special + envoy to Peking with very important despatches and this incomparable + horseman had made the journey between Uliassutai and Peking, that is 1,800 + miles, in nine days, incredible as it may seem. He prepared himself for + the journey by binding all his abdomen and chest, legs, arms and neck with + strong cotton bandages to protect himself from the wracks and strains of + such a period in the saddle. In his cap he bore three eagle feathers as a + token that he had received orders to fly like a bird. Armed with a special + document called a tzara, which gave him the right to receive at all post + stations the best horses, one to ride and one fully saddled to lead as a + change, together with two oulatchen or guards to accompany him and bring + back the horses from the next station or ourton, he made the distance of + from fifteen to thirty miles between stations at full gallop, stopping + only long enough to have the horses and guards changed before he was off + again. Ahead of him rode one oulatchen with the best horses to enable him + to announce and prepare in advance the complement of steeds at the next + station. Each oulatchen had three horses in all, so that he could swing + from one that had given out and release him to graze until his return to + pick him up and lead or ride him back home. At every third ourton, without + leaving his saddle, he received a cup of hot green tea with salt and + continued his race southward. After seventeen or eighteen hours of such + riding he stopped at the ourton for the night or what was left of it, + devoured a leg of boiled mutton and slept. Thus he ate once a day and five + times a day had tea; and so he traveled for nine days! + </p> + <p> + With this servant we moved out one cold winter morning in the direction of + Kobdo, just over three hundred miles, because from there we had received + the disquieting rumours that the Red troops had entered Ulankom and that + the Chinese authorities had handed over to them all the Europeans in the + town. We crossed the River Dzaphin on the ice. It is a terrible stream. + Its bed is full of quicksands, which in summer suck in numbers of camels, + horses and men. We entered a long, winding valley among the mountains + covered with deep snow and here and there with groves of the black wood of + the larch. About halfway to Kobdo we came across the yurta of a shepherd + on the shore of the small Lake of Baga Nor, where evening and a strong + wind whirling gusts of snow in our faces easily persuaded us to stop. By + the yurta stood a splendid bay horse with a saddle richly ornamerited with + silver and coral. As we turned in from the road, two Mongols left the + yurta very hastily; one of them jumped into the saddle and quickly + disappeared in the plain behind the snowy hillocks. We clearly made out + the flashing folds of his yellow robe under the great outer coat and saw + his large knife sheathed in a green leather scabbard and handled with horn + and ivory. The other man was the host of the yurta, the shepherd of a + local prince, Novontziran. He gave signs of great pleasure at seeing us + and receiving us in his yurta. + </p> + <p> + “Who was the rider on the bay horse?” we asked. + </p> + <p> + He dropped his eyes and was silent. + </p> + <p> + “Tell us,” we insisted. “If you do not wish to speak his name, it means + that you are dealing with a bad character.” + </p> + <p> + “No! No!” he remonstrated, flourishing his hands. “He is a good, great + man; but the law does not permit me to speak his name.” + </p> + <p> + We at once understood that the man was either the chief of the shepherd or + some high Lama. Consequently we did not further insist and began making + our sleeping arrangements. Our host set three legs of mutton to boil for + us, skillfully cutting out the bones with his heavy knife. We chatted and + learned that no one had seen Red troops around this region but in Kobdo + and in Ulankom the Chinese soldiers were oppressing the population, and + were beating to death with the bamboo Mongol men who were defending their + women against the ravages of these Chinese troops. Some of the Mongols had + retreated to the mountains to join detachments under the command of + Kaigordoff, an Altai Tartar officer who was supplying them with weapons. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <h3> + THE MYSTERIOUS LAMA AVENGER + </h3> + <p> + We rested soundly in the yurta after the two days of travel which had + brought us one hundred seventy miles through the snow and sharp cold. + Round the evening meal of juicy mutton we were talking freely and + carelessly when suddenly we heard a low, hoarse voice: + </p> + <p> + “Sayn—Good evening!” + </p> + <p> + We turned around from the brazier to the door and saw a medium height, + very heavy set Mongol in deerskin overcoat and cap with side flaps and the + long, wide tying strings of the same material. Under his girdle lay the + same large knife in the green sheath which we had seen on the departing + horseman. + </p> + <p> + “Amoursayn,” we answered. + </p> + <p> + He quickly untied his girdle and laid aside his overcoat. He stood before + us in a wonderful gown of silk, yellow as beaten gold and girt with a + brilliant blue sash. His cleanly shaven face, short hair, red coral rosary + on the left hand and his yellow garment proved clearly that before us + stood some high Lama Priest,—with a big Colt under his blue sash! + </p> + <p> + I turned to my host and Tzeren and read in their faces fear and + veneration. The stranger came over to the brazier and sat down. + </p> + <p> + “Let’s speak Russian,” he said and took a bit of meat. + </p> + <p> + The conversation began. The stranger began to find fault with the + Government of the Living Buddha in Urga. + </p> + <p> + “There they liberate Mongolia, capture Urga, defeat the Chinese army and + here in the west they give us no news of it. We are without action here + while the Chinese kill our people and steal from them. I think that Bogdo + Khan might send us envoys. How is it the Chinese can send their envoys + from Urga and Kiakhta to Kobdo, asking for assistance, and the Mongol + Government cannot do it? Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Will the Chinese send help to Urga?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + Our guest laughed hoarsely and said: “I caught all the envoys, took away + their letters and then sent them back . . . into the ground.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed again and glanced around peculiarly with his blazing eyes. Only + then did I notice that his cheekbones and eyes had lines strange to the + Mongols of Central Asia. He looked more like a Tartar or a Kirghiz. We + were silent and smoked our pipes. + </p> + <p> + “How soon will the detachment of Chahars leave Uliassutai?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + We answered that we had not heard about them. Our guest explained that + from Inner Mongolia the Chinese authorities had sent out a strong + detachment, mobilized from among the most warlike tribe of Chahars, which + wander about the region just outside the Great Wall. Its chief was a + notorious hunghutze leader promoted by the Chinese Government to the rank + of captain on promising that he would bring under subjugation to the + Chinese authorities all the tribes of the districts of Kobdo and Urianhai. + When he learned whither we were going and for what purpose, he said he + could give us the most accurate news and relieve us from the necessity of + going farther. + </p> + <p> + “Besides that, it is very dangerous,” he said, “because Kobdo will be + massacred and burned. I know this positively.” + </p> + <p> + When he heard of our unsuccessful attempt to pass through Tibet, he became + attentive and very sympathetic in his bearing toward us and, with evident + feeling of regret, expressed himself strongly: + </p> + <p> + “Only I could have helped you in this enterprise, but not the Narabanchi + Hutuktu. With my laissez-passer you could have gone anywhere in Tibet. I + am Tushegoun Lama.” + </p> + <p> + Tushegoun Lama! How many extraordinary tales I had heard about him. He is + a Russian Kalmuck, who because of his propaganda work for the independence + of the Kalmuck people made the acquaintance of many Russian prisons under + the Czar and, for the same cause, added to his list under the Bolsheviki. + He escaped to Mongolia and at once attained to great influence among the + Mongols. It was no wonder, for he was a close friend and pupil of the + Dalai Lama in Potala (Lhasa), was the most learned among the Lamites, a + famous thaumaturgist and doctor. He occupied an almost independent + position in his relationship with the Living Buddha and achieved to the + leadership of all the old wandering tribes of Western Mongolia and + Zungaria, even extending his political domination over the Mongolian + tribes of Turkestan. His influence was irresistible, based as it was on + his great control of mysterious science, as he expressed it; but I was + also told that it has its foundation largely in the panicky fear which he + could produce in the Mongols. Everyone who disobeyed his orders perished. + Such an one never knew the day or the hour when, in his yurta or beside + his galloping horse on the plains, the strange and powerful friend of the + Dalai Lama would appear. The stroke of a knife, a bullet or strong fingers + strangling the neck like a vise accomplished the justice of the plans of + this miracle worker. + </p> + <p> + Without the walls of the yurta the wind whistled and roared and drove the + frozen snow sharply against the stretched felt. Through the roar of the + wind came the sound of many voices in mingled shouting, wailing and + laughter. I felt that in such surroundings it were not difficult to + dumbfound a wandering nomad with miracles, because Nature herself had + prepared the setting for it. This thought had scarcely time to flash + through my mind before Tushegoun Lama suddenly raised his head, looked + sharply at me and said: + </p> + <p> + “There is very much unknown in Nature and the skill of using the unknown + produces the miracle; but the power is given to few. I want to prove it to + you and you may tell me afterwards whether you have seen it before or + not.” + </p> + <p> + He stood up, pushed back the sleeves of his yellow garment, seized his + knife and strode across to the shepherd. + </p> + <p> + “Michik, stand up!” he ordered. + </p> + <p> + When the shepherd had risen, the Lama quickly unbuttoned his coat and + bared the man’s chest. I could not yet understand what was his intention, + when suddenly the Tushegoun with all his force struck his knife into the + chest of the shepherd. The Mongol fell all covered with blood, a splash of + which I noticed on the yellow silk of the Lama’s coat. + </p> + <p> + “What have you done?” I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Sh! Be still,” he whispered turning to me his now quite blanched face. + </p> + <p> + With a few strokes of the knife he opened the chest of the Mongol and I + saw the man’s lungs softly breathing and the distinct palpitations of the + heart. The Lama touched these organs with his fingers but no more blood + appeared to flow and the face of the shepherd was quite calm. He was lying + with his eyes closed and appeared to be in deep and quiet sleep. As the + Lama began to open his abdomen, I shut my eyes in fear and horror; and, + when I opened them a little while later, I was still more dumbfounded at + seeing the shepherd with his coat still open and his breast normal, + quietly sleeping on his side and Tushegoun Lama sitting peacefully by the + brazier, smoking his pipe and looking into the fire in deep thought. + </p> + <p> + “It is wonderful!” I confessed. “I have never seen anything like it!” + </p> + <p> + “About what are you speaking?” asked the Kalmuck. + </p> + <p> + “About your demonstration or ‘miracle,’ as you call it,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “I never said anything like that,” refuted the Kalmuck, with coldness in + his voice. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see it?” I asked of my companion. + </p> + <p> + “What?” he queried in a dozing voice. + </p> + <p> + I realized that I had become the victim of the hypnotic power of Tushegoun + Lama; but I preferred this to seeing an innocent Mongolian die, for I had + not believed that Tushegoun Lama, after slashing open the bodies of his + victims, could repair them again so readily. + </p> + <p> + The following day we took leave of our hosts. We decided to return, + inasmuch as our mission was accomplished; and Tushegoun Lama explained to + us that he would “move through space.” He wandered over all Mongolia, + lived both in the single, simple yurta of the shepherd and hunter and in + the splendid tents of the princes and tribal chiefs, surrounded by deep + veneration and panic-fear, enticing and cementing to him rich and poor + alike with his miracles and prophecies. When bidding us adieu, the Kalmuck + sorcerer slyly smiled and said: + </p> + <p> + “Do not give any information about me to the Chinese authorities.” + </p> + <p> + Afterwards he added: “What happened to you yesterday evening was a futile + demonstration. You Europeans will not recognize that we dark-minded nomads + possess the powers of mysterious science. If you could only see the + miracles and power of the Most Holy Tashi Lama, when at his command the + lamps and candles before the ancient statue of Buddha light themselves and + when the ikons of the gods begin to speak and prophesy! But there exists a + more powerful and more holy man. . .” + </p> + <p> + “Is it the King of the World in Agharti?” I interrupted. + </p> + <p> + He stared and glanced at me in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard about him?” he asked, as his brows knit in thought. + </p> + <p> + After a few seconds he raised his narrow eyes and said: “Only one man + knows his holy name; only one man now living was ever in Agharti. That is + I. This is the reason why the Most Holy Dalai Lama has honored me and why + the Living Buddha in Urga fears me. But in vain, for I shall never sit on + the Holy Throne of the highest priest in Lhasa nor reach that which has + come down from Jenghiz Khan to the Head of our yellow Faith. I am no monk. + I am a warrior and avenger.” + </p> + <p> + He jumped smartly into the saddle, whipped his horse and whirled away, + flinging out as he left the common Mongolian phrase of adieu: “Sayn! + Sayn-bayna!” + </p> + <p> + On the way back Tzeren related to us the hundreds of legends surrounding + Tushegoun Lama. One tale especially remained in my mind. It was in 1911 or + 1912 when the Mongols by armed force tried to attain their liberty in a + struggle with the Chinese. The general Chinese headquarters in Western + Mongolia was Kobdo, where they had about ten thousand soldiers under the + command of their best officers. The command to capture Kobdo was sent to + Hun Baldon, a simple shepherd who had distinguished himself in fights with + the Chinese and received from the Living Buddha the title of Prince of + Hun. Ferocious, absolutely without fear and possessing gigantic strength, + Baldon had several times led to the attack his poorly armed Mongols but + each time had been forced to retreat after losing many of his men under + the machine-gun fire. Unexpectedly Tushegoun Lama arrived. He collected + all the soldiers and then said to them: + </p> + <p> + “You must not fear death and must not retreat. You are fighting and dying + for Mongolia, for which the gods have appointed a great destiny. See what + the fate of Mongolia will be!” + </p> + <p> + He made a great sweeping gesture with his hand and all the soldiers saw + the country round about set with rich yurtas and pastures covered with + great herds of horses and cattle. On the plains appeared numerous horsemen + on richly saddled steeds. The women were gowned in the finest of silk with + massive silver rings in their ears and precious ornaments in their + elaborate head dresses. Chinese merchants led an endless caravan of + merchandise up to distinguished looking Mongol Saits, surrounded by the + gaily dressed tzirik or soldiers and proudly negotiating with the + merchants for their wares. + </p> + <p> + Shortly the vision disappeared and Tushegoun began to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Do not fear death! It is a release from our labor on earth and the path + to the state of constant blessings. Look to the East! Do you see your + brothers and friends who have fallen in battle?” + </p> + <p> + “We see, we see!” the Mongol warriors exclaimed in astonishment, as they + all looked upon a great group of dwellings which might have been yurtas or + the arches of temples flushed with a warm and kindly light. Red and yellow + silk were interwoven in bright bands that covered the walls and floor, + everywhere the gilding on pillars and walls gleamed brightly; on the great + red altar burned the thin sacrificial candles in gold candelabra, beside + the massive silver vessels filled with milk and nuts; on soft pillows + about the floor sat the Mongols who had fallen in the previous attack on + Kobdo. Before them stood low, lacquered tables laden with many dishes of + steaming, succulent flesh of the lamb and the kid, with high jugs of wine + and tea, with plates of borsuk, a kind of sweet, rich cakes, with aromatic + zatouran covered with sheep’s fat, with bricks of dried cheese, with + dates, raisins and nuts. These fallen soldiers smoked golden pipes and + chatted gaily. + </p> + <p> + This vision in turn also disappeared and before the gazing Mongols stood + only the mysterious Kalmuck with his hand upraised. + </p> + <p> + “To battle and return not without victory! I am with you in the fight.” + </p> + <p> + The attack began. The Mongols fought furiously, perished by the hundreds + but not before they had rushed into the heart of Kobdo. Then was + re-enacted the long forgotten picture of Tartar hordes destroying European + towns. Hun Baldon ordered carried over him a triangle of lances with + brilliant red streamers, a sign that he gave up the town to the soldiers + for three days. Murder and pillage began. All the Chinese met their death + there. The town was burned and the walls of the fortress destroyed. + Afterwards Hun Baldon came to Uliassutai and also destroyed the Chinese + fortress there. The ruins of it still stand with the broken embattlements + and towers, the useless gates and the remnants of the burned official + quarters and soldiers’ barracks. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> + <h3> + WILD CHAHARS + </h3> + <p> + After our return to Uliassutai we heard that disquieting news had been + received by the Mongol Sait from Muren Kure. The letter stated that Red + Troops were pressing Colonel Kazagrandi very hard in the region of Lake + Kosogol. The Sait feared the advance of the Red troops southward to + Uliassutai. Both the American firms liquidated their affairs and all our + friends were prepared for a quick exit, though they hesitated at the + thought of leaving the town, as they were afraid of meeting the detachment + of Chahars sent from the east. We decided to await the arrival of this + detachment, as their coming could change the whole course of events. In a + few days they came, two hundred warlike Chahar brigands under the command + of a former Chinese hunghutze. He was a tall, skinny man with hands that + reached almost to his knees, a face blackened by wind and sun and + mutilated with two long scars down over his forehead and cheek, the making + of one of which had also closed one of his hawklike eyes, topped off with + a shaggy coonskin cap—such was the commander of the detachment of + Chahars. A personage very dark and stern, with whom a night meeting on a + lonely street could not be considered a pleasure by any bent of the + imagination. + </p> + <p> + The detachment made camp within the destroyed fortress, near to the single + Chinese building that had not been razed and which was now serving as + headquarters for the Chinese Commissioner. On the very day of their + arrival the Chahars pillaged a Chinese dugun or trading house not half a + mile from the fortress and also offended the wife of the Chinese + Commissioner by calling her a “traitor.” The Chahars, like the Mongols, + were quite right in their stand, because the Chinese Commissioner Wang + Tsao-tsun had on his arrival in Uliassutai followed the Chinese custom of + demanding a Mongolian wife. The servile new Sait had given orders that a + beautiful and suitable Mongolian girl be found for him. One was so run + down and placed in his yamen, together with her big wrestling Mongol + brother who was to be a guard for the Commissioner but who developed into + the nurse for the little white Pekingese pug which the official presented + to his new wife. + </p> + <p> + Burglaries, squabbles and drunken orgies of the Chahars followed, so that + Wang Tsoa-tsun exerted all his efforts to hurry the detachment westward to + Kobdo and farther into Urianhai. + </p> + <p> + One cold morning the inhabitants of Uliassutai rose to witness a very + stern picture. Along the main street of the town the detachment was + passing. They were riding on small, shaggy ponies, three abreast; were + dressed in warm blue coats with sheepskin overcoats outside and crowned + with the regulation coonskin caps; armed from head to foot. They rode with + wild shouts and cheers, very greedily eyeing the Chinese shops and the + houses of the Russian colonists. At their head rode the one-eyed hunghutze + chief with three horsemen behind him in white overcoats, who carried + waving banners and blew what may have been meant for music through great + conch shells. One of the Chahars could not resist and so jumped out of his + saddle and made for a Chinese shop along the street. Immediately the + anxious cries of the Chinese merchants came from the shop. The hunghutze + swung round, noticed the horse at the door of the shop and realized what + was happening. Immediately he reined his horse and made for the spot. With + his raucous voice he called the Chahar out. As he came, he struck him full + in the face with his whip and with all his strength. Blood flowed from the + slashed cheek. But the Chahar was in the saddle in a second without a + murmur and galloped to his place in the file. During this exit of the + Chahars all the people were hidden in their houses, anxiously peeping + through cracks and corners of the windows. But the Chahars passed + peacefully out and only when they met a caravan carrying Chinese wine + about six miles from town did their native tendency display itself again + in pillaging and emptying several containers. Somewhere in the vicinity of + Hargana they were ambushed by Tushegoun Lama and so treated that never + again will the plains of Chahar welcome the return of these warrior sons + who were sent out to conquer the Soyot descendants of the ancient Tuba. + </p> + <p> + The day the column left Uliassutai a heavy snow fell, so that the road + became impassable. The horses first were up to their knees, tired out and + stopped. Some Mongol horsemen reached Uliassutai the following day after + great hardship and exertion, having made only twenty-five miles in + forty-eight hours. Caravans were compelled to stop along the routes. The + Mongols would not consent even to attempt journeys with oxen and yaks + which made but ten or twelve miles a day. Only camels could be used but + there were too few and their drivers did not feel that they could make the + first railway station of Kuku-Hoto, which was about fourteen hundred miles + away. We were forced again to wait: for which? Death or salvation? Only + our own energy and force could save us. Consequently my friend and I + started out, supplied with a tent, stove and food, for a new + reconnaissance along the shore of Lake Kosogol, whence the Mongol Sait + expected the new invasion of Red troops. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> + <h3> + THE DEMON OF JAGISSTAI + </h3> + <p> + Our small group consisting of four mounted and one pack camel moved + northward along the valley of the River Boyagol in the direction of the + Tarbagatai Mountains. The road was rocky and covered deep with snow. Our + camels walked very carefully, sniffing out the way as our guide shouted + the “Ok! Ok!” of the camel drivers to urge them on. We left behind us the + fortress and Chinese dugun, swung round the shoulder of a ridge and, after + fording several times an open stream, began the ascent of the mountain. + The scramble was hard and dangerous. Our camels picked their way most + cautiously, moving their ears constantly, as is their habit in such + stress. The trail zigzagged into mountain ravines, passed over the tops of + ridges, slipped back down again into shallower valleys but ever made + higher and higher altitudes. At one place under the grey clouds that + tipped the ridges we saw away up on the wide expanse of snow some black + spots. + </p> + <p> + “Those are the obo, the sacred signs and altars for the bad demons + watching this pass,” explained the guide. “This pass is called Jagisstai. + Many very old tales about it have been kept alive, ancient as these + mountains themselves.” + </p> + <p> + We encouraged him to tell us some of them. + </p> + <p> + The Mongol, rocking on his camel and looking carefully all around him, + began his tale. + </p> + <p> + “It was long ago, very long ago. . . . The grandson of the great Jenghiz + Khan sat on the throne of China and ruled all Asia. The Chinese killed + their Khan and wanted to exterminate all his family but a holy old Lama + slipped the wife and little son out of the palace and carried them off on + swift camels beyond the Great Wall, where they sank into our native + plains. The Chinese made a long search for the trails of our refugees and + at last found where they had gone. They despatched a strong detachment on + fleet horses to capture them. Sometimes the Chinese nearly came up with + the fleeing heir of our Khan but the Lama called down from Heaven a deep + snow, through which the camels could pass while the horses were + inextricably held. This Lama was from a distant monastery. We shall pass + this hospice of Jahantsi Kure. In order to reach it one must cross over + the Jagisstai. And it was just here the old Lama suddenly became ill, + rocked in his saddle and fell dead. Ta Sin Lo, the widow of the Great + Khan, burst into tears; but, seeing the Chinese riders galloping there + below across the valley, pressed on toward the pass. The camels were + tired, stopping every moment, nor did the woman know how to stimulate and + drive them on. The Chinese riders came nearer and nearer. Already she + heard their shouts of joy, as they felt within their grasp the prize of + the mandarins for the murder of the heir of the Great Khan. The heads of + the mother and the son would be brought to Peking and exposed on the + Ch’ien Men for the mockery and insults of the people. The frightened + mother lifted her little son toward heaven and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “‘Earth and Gods of Mongolia, behold the offspring of the man who has + glorified the name of the Mongols from one end of the world to the other! + Allow not this very flesh of Jenghiz Khan to perish!’ + </p> + <p> + “At this moment she noticed a white mouse sitting on a rock nearby. It + jumped to her knees and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘I am sent to help you. Go on calmly and do not fear. The pursuers of you + and your son, to whom is destined a life of glory, have come to the last + bourne of their lives.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ta Sin Lo did not see how one small mouse could hold in check three + hundred men. The mouse jumped back to the ground and again spoke: + </p> + <p> + “‘I am the demon of Tarbagatai, Jagasstai. I am mighty and beloved of the + Gods but, because you doubted the powers of the miracle-speaking mouse, + from this day the Jagasstai will be dangerous for the good and bad alike.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Khan’s widow and son were saved but Jagasstai has ever remained + merciless. During the journey over this pass one must always be on one’s + guard. The demon of the mountain is ever ready to lead the traveler to + destruction.” + </p> + <p> + All the tops of the ridges of the Tarbagatai are thickly dotted with the + obo of rocks and branches. In one place there was even erected a tower of + stones as an altar to propitiate the Gods for the doubts of Ta Sin Lo. + Evidently the demon expected us. When we began our ascent of the main + ridge, he blew into our faces with a sharp, cold wind, whistled and roared + and afterwards began casting over us whole blocks of snow torn off the + drifts above. We could not distinguish anything around us, scarcely seeing + the camel immediately in front. Suddenly I felt a shock and looked about + me. Nothing unusual was visible. I was seated comfortably between two + leather saddle bags filled with meat and bread but . . . I could not see + the head of my camel. He had disappeared. It seemed that he had slipped + and fallen to the bottom of a shallow ravine, while the bags which were + slung across his back without straps had caught on a rock and stopped with + myself there in the snow. This time the demon of Jagasstai only played a + joke but one that did not satisfy him. He began to show more and more + anger. With furious gusts of wind he almost dragged us and our bags from + the camels and nearly knocked over our humped steeds, blinded us with + frozen snow and prevented us from breathing. Through long hours we dragged + slowly on in the deep snow, often falling over the edge of the rocks. At + last we entered a small valley where the wind whistled and roared with a + thousand voices. It had grown dark. The Mongol wandered around searching + for the trail and finally came back to us, flourishing his arms and + saying: + </p> + <p> + “We have lost the road. We must spend the night here. It is very bad + because we shall have no wood for our stove and the cold will grow worse.” + </p> + <p> + With great difficulties and with frozen hands we managed to set up our + tent in the wind, placing in it the now useless stove. We covered the tent + with snow, dug deep, long ditches in the drifts and forced our camels to + lie down in them by shouting the “Dzuk! Dzuk!” command to kneel. Then we + brought our packs into the tent. + </p> + <p> + My companion rebelled against the thought of spending a cold night with a + stove hard by. + </p> + <p> + “I am going out to look for firewood,” said he very decisively; and at + that took up the ax and started. He returned after an hour with a big + section of a telegraph pole. + </p> + <p> + “You, Jenghiz Khans,” said he, rubbing his frozen hands, “take your axes + and go up there to the left on the mountain and you will find the + telegraph poles that have been cut down. I made acquaintance with the old + Jagasstai and he showed me the poles.” + </p> + <p> + Just a little way from us the line of the Russian telegraphs passed, that + which had connected Irkutsk with Uliassutai before the days of the + Bolsheviki and which the Chinese had commanded the Mongols to cut down and + take the wire. These poles are now the salvation of travelers crossing the + pass. Thus we spent the night in a warm tent, supped well from hot meat + soup with vermicelli, all in the very center of the dominion of the + angered Jagasstai. Early the next morning we found the road not more than + two or three hundred paces from our tent and continued our hard trip over + the ridge of Tarbagatai. At the head of the Adair River valley we noticed + a flock of the Mongolian crows with carmine beaks circling among the + rocks. We approached the place and discovered the recently fallen bodies + of a horse and rider. What had happened to them was difficult to guess. + They lay close together; the bridle was wound around the right wrist of + the man; no trace of knife or bullet was found. It was impossible to make + out the features of the man. His overcoat was Mongolian but his trousers + and under jacket were not of the Mongolian pattern. We asked ourselves + what had happened to him. + </p> + <p> + Our Mongol bowed his head in anxiety and said in hushed but assured tones: + “It is the vengeance of Jagasstai. The rider did not make sacrifice at the + southern obo and the demon has strangled him and his horse.” + </p> + <p> + At last Tarbagatai was behind us. Before us lay the valley of the Adair. + It was a narrow zigzagging plain following along the river bed between + close mountain ranges and covered with a rich grass. It was cut into two + parts by the road along which the prostrate telegraph poles now lay, as + the stumps of varying heights and long stretches of wire completed the + debris. This destruction of the telegraph line between Irkutsk and + Uliassutai was necessary and incident to the aggressive Chinese policy in + Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + Soon we began to meet large herds of sheep, which were digging through the + snow to the dry but very nutritious grass. In some places yaks and oxen + were seen on the high slopes of the mountains. Only once, however, did we + see a shepherd, for all of them, spying us first, had made off to the + mountains or hidden in the ravines. We did not even discover any yurtas + along the way. The Mongols had also concealed all their movable homes in + the folds of the mountains out of sight and away from the reach of the + strong winds. Nomads are very skilful in choosing the places for their + winter dwellings. I had often in winter visited the Mongolian yurtas set + in such sheltered places that, as I came off the windy plains, I felt as + though I were in a conservatory. Once we came up to a big herd of sheep. + But as we approached most of the herd gradually withdrew, leaving one part + that remained unmoved as the other worked off across the plains. From this + section soon about thirty of forty head emerged and went scrambling and + leaping right up the mountain side. I took up my glasses and began to + observe them. The part of the herd that remained behind were common sheep; + the large section that had drawn off over the plain were Mongolian + antelopes (gazella gutturosa); while the few that had taken to the + mountain were the big horned sheep (ovis argali). All this company had + been grazing together with the domestic sheep on the plains of the Adair, + which attracted them with its good grass and clear water. In many places + the river was not frozen and in some places I saw great clouds of steam + over the surface of the open water. In the meantime some of the antelopes + and the mountain sheep began looking at us. + </p> + <p> + “Now they will soon begin to cross our trail,” laughed the Mongol; “very + funny beasts. Sometimes the antelopes course for miles in their endeavor + to outrun and cross in front of our horses and then, when they have done + so, go loping quietly off.” + </p> + <p> + I had already seen this strategy of the antelopes and I decided to make + use of it for the purpose of the hunt. We organized our chase in the + following manner. We let one Mongol with the pack camel proceed as we had + been traveling and the other three of us spread out like a fan headed + toward the herd on the right of our true course. The herd stopped and + looked about puzzled, for their etiquette required that they should cross + the path of all four of these riders at once. Confusion began. They + counted about three thousand heads. All this army began to run from one + side to another but without forming any distinct groups. Whole squadrons + of them ran before us and then, noticing another rider, came coursing back + and made anew the same manoeuvre. One group of about fifty head rushed in + two rows toward my point. When they were about a hundred and fifty paces + away I shouted and fired. They stopped at once and began to whirl round in + one spot, running into one another and even jumping over one another. + Their panic cost them dear, for I had time to shoot four times to bring + down two beautiful heads. My friend was even more fortunate than I, for he + shot only once into the herd as it rushed past him in parallel lines and + dropped two with the same bullet. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the argali had gone farther up the mountainside and taken stand + there in a row like so many soldiers, turning to gaze at us. Even at this + distance I could clearly distinguish their muscular bodies with their + majestic heads and stalwart horns. Picking up our prey, we overtook the + Mongol who had gone on ahead and continued our way. In many places we came + across the carcasses of sheep with necks torn and the flesh of the sides + eaten off. + </p> + <p> + “It is the work of wolves,” said the Mongol. “They are always hereabout in + large numbers.” + </p> + <p> + We came across several more herds of antelope, which ran along quietly + enough until they had made a comfortable distance ahead of us and then + with tremendous leaps and bounds crossed our bows like the proverbial + chicken on the road. Then, after a couple of hundred paces at this speed, + they stopped and began to graze quite calmly. Once I turned my camel back + and the whole herd immediately took up the challenge again, coursed along + parallel with me until they had made sufficient distance for their ideas + of safety and then once more rushed across the road ahead of me as though + it were paved with red hot stones, only to assume their previous calmness + and graze back on the same side of the trail from which our column had + first started them. On another occasion I did this three times with a + particular herd and laughed long and heartily at their stupid customs. + </p> + <p> + We passed a very unpleasant night in this valley. We stopped on the shore + of the frozen stream in a spot where we found shelter from the wind under + the lee of a high shore. In our stove we did have a fire and in our kettle + boiling water. Also our tent was warm and cozy. We were quietly resting + with pleasant thoughts of supper to soothe us, when suddenly a howling and + laughter as though from some inferno burst upon us from just outside the + tent, while from the other side of the valley came the long and doleful + howls in answer. + </p> + <p> + “Wolves,” calmly explained the Mongol, who took my revolver and went out + of the tent. He did not return for some time but at last we heard a shot + and shortly after he entered. + </p> + <p> + “I scared them a little,” said he. “They had congregated on the shore of + the Adair around the body of a camel.” + </p> + <p> + “And they have not touched our camels?” we asked. + </p> + <p> + “We shall make a bonfire behind our tent; then they will not bother us.” + </p> + <p> + After our supper we turned in but I lay awake for a long time listening to + the crackle of the wood in the fire, the deep sighing breaths of the + camels and the distant howling of the packs of wolves; but finally, even + with all these noises, fell asleep. How long I had been asleep I did not + know when suddenly I was awakened by a strong blow in the side. I was + lying at the very edge of the tent and someone from outside had, without + the least ceremony, pushed strongly against me. I thought it was one of + the camels chewing the felt of the tent. I took my Mauser and struck the + wall. A sharp scream was followed by the sound of quick running over the + pebbles. In the morning we discovered the tracks of wolves approaching our + tent from the side opposite to the fire and followed them to where they + had begun to dig under the tent wall; but evidently one of the would-be + robbers was forced to retreat with a bruise on his head from the handle of + the Mauser. + </p> + <p> + Wolves and eagles are the servants of Jagasstai, the Mongol very seriously + instructed us. However, this does not prevent the Mongols from hunting + them. Once in the camp of Prince Baysei I witnessed such a hunt. The + Mongol horsemen on the best of his steeds overtook the wolves on the open + plain and killed them with heavy bamboo sticks or tashur. A Russian + veterinary surgeon taught the Mongols to poison wolves with strychnine but + the Mongols soon abandoned this method because of its danger to the dogs, + the faithful friends and allies of the nomad. They do not, however, touch + the eagles and hawks but even feed them. When the Mongols are slaughtering + animals they often cast bits of meat up into the air for the hawks and + eagles to catch in flight, just as we throw a bit of meat to a dog. Eagles + and hawks fight and drive away the magpies and crows, which are very + dangerous for cattle and horses, because they scratch and peck at the + smallest wound or abrasion on the backs of the animals until they make + them into uncurable areas which they continue to harass. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> + <h3> + THE NEST OF DEATH + </h3> + <p> + Our camels were trudging to a slow but steady measure on toward the north. + We were making twenty-five to thirty miles a day as we approached a small + monastery that lay to the left of our route. It was in the form of a + square of large buildings surrounded by a high fence of thick poles. Each + side had an opening in the middle leading to the four entrances of the + temple in the center of the square. The temple was built with the red + lacquered columns and the Chinese style roofs and dominated the + surrounding low dwellings of the Lamas. On the opposite side of the road + lay what appeared to be a Chinese fortress but which was in reality a + trading compound or dugun, which the Chinese always build in the form of a + fortress with double walls a few feet apart, within which they place their + houses and shops and usually have twenty or thirty traders fully armed for + any emergency. In case of need these duguns can be used as blockhouses and + are capable of withstanding long sieges. Between the dugun and the + monastery and nearer to the road I made out the camp of some nomads. Their + horses and cattle were nowhere to be seen. Evidently the Mongols had + stopped here for some time and had left their cattle in the mountains. + Over several yurtas waved multi-colored triangular flags, a sign of the + presence of disease. Near some yurtas high poles were stuck into the + ground with Mongol caps at their tops, which indicated that the host of + the yurta had died. The packs of dogs wandering over the plain showed that + the dead bodies lay somewhere near, either in the ravines or along the + banks of the river. + </p> + <p> + As we approached the camp, we heard from a distance the frantic beating of + drums, the mournful sounds of the flute and shrill, mad shouting. Our + Mongol went forward to investigate for us and reported that several + Mongolian families had come here to the monastery to seek aid from the + Hutuktu Jahansti who was famed for his miracles of healing. The people + were stricken with leprosy and black smallpox and had come from long + distances only to find that the Hutuktu was not at the monastery but had + gone to the Living Buddha in Urga. Consequently they had been forced to + invite the witch doctors. The people were dying one after another. Just + the day before they had cast on the plain the twenty-seventh man. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, as we talked, the witch doctor came out of one of the yurtas. + He was an old man with a cataract on one eye and with a face deeply + scarred by smallpox. He was dressed in tatters with various colored bits + of cloth hanging down from his waist. He carried a drum and a flute. We + could see froth on his blue lips and madness in his eyes. Suddenly he + began to whirl round and dance with a thousand prancings of his long legs + and writhings of his arms and shoulders, still beating the drum and + playing the flute or crying and raging at intervals, ever accelerating his + movements until at last with pallid face and bloodshot eyes he fell on the + snow, where he continued to writhe and give out his incoherent cries. In + this manner the doctor treated his patients, frightening with his madness + the bad devils that carry disease. Another witch doctor gave his patients + dirty, muddy water, which I learned was the water from the bath of the + very person of the Living Buddha who had washed in it his “divine” body + born from the sacred flower of the lotus. + </p> + <p> + “Om! Om!” both witches continuously screamed. + </p> + <p> + While the doctors fought with the devils, the ill people were left to + themselves. They lay in high fever under the heaps of sheepskins and + overcoats, were delirious, raved and threw themselves about. By the + braziers squatted adults and children who were still well, indifferently + chatting, drinking tea and smoking. In all the yurtas I saw the diseased + and the dead and such misery and physical horrors as cannot be described. + </p> + <p> + And I thought: “Oh, Great Jenghiz Khan! Why did you with your keen + understanding of the whole situation of Asia and Europe, you who devoted + all your life to the glory of the name of the Mongols, why did you not + give to your own people, who preserve their old morality, honesty and + peaceful customs, the enlightenment that would have saved them from such + death? Your bones in the mausoleum at Karakorum being destroyed by the + centuries that pass over them must cry out against the rapid disappearance + of your formerly great people, who were feared by half the civilized + world!” + </p> + <p> + Such thoughts filled my brain when I saw this camp of the dead tomorrow + and when I heard the groans, shoutings and raving of dying men, women and + children. Somewhere in the distance the dogs were howling mournfully, and + monotonously the drum of the tired witch rolled. + </p> + <p> + “Forward!” I could not witness longer this dark horror, which I had no + means or force to eradicate. We quickly passed on from the ominous place. + Nor could we shake the thought that some horrible invisible spirit was + following us from this scene of terror. “The devils of disease?” “The + pictures of horror and misery?” “The souls of men who have been sacrificed + on the altar of darkness of Mongolia?” An inexplicable fear penetrated + into our consciousness from whose grasp we could not release ourselves. + Only when we had turned from the road, passed over a timbered ridge into a + bowl in the mountains from which we could see neither Jahantsi Kure, the + dugun nor the squirming grave of dying Mongols could we breathe freely + again. + </p> + <p> + Presently we discovered a large lake. It was Tisingol. Near the shore + stood a large Russian house, the telegraph station between Kosogol and + Uliassutai. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> + <h3> + AMONG THE MURDERERS + </h3> + <p> + As we approached the telegraph station, we were met by a blonde young man + who was in charge of the office, Kanine by name. With some little + confusion he offered us a place in his house for the night. When we + entered the room, a tall, lanky man rose from the table and indecisively + walked toward us, looking very attentively at us the while. + </p> + <p> + “Guests . . .” explained Kanine. “They are going to Khathyl. Private + persons, strangers, foreigners . . .” + </p> + <p> + “A-h,” drawled the stranger in a quiet, comprehending tone. + </p> + <p> + While we were untying our girdles and with difficulty getting out of our + great Mongolian coats, the tall man was animatedly whispering something to + our host. As we approached the table to sit down and rest, I overheard him + say: “We are forced to postpone it,” and saw Kanine simply nod in answer. + </p> + <p> + Several other people were seated at the table, among them the assistant of + Kanine, a tall blonde man with a white face, who talked like a Gatling gun + about everything imaginable. He was half crazy and his semi-madness + expressed itself when any loud talking, shouting or sudden sharp report + led him to repeat the words of the one to whom he was talking at the time + or to relate in a mechanical, hurried manner stories of what was happening + around him just at this particular juncture. The wife of Kanine, a pale, + young, exhausted-looking woman with frightened eyes and a face distorted + by fear, was also there and near her a young girl of fifteen with cropped + hair and dressed like a man, as well as the two small sons of Kanine. We + made acquaintance with all of them. The tall stranger called himself + Gorokoff, a Russian colonist from Samgaltai, and presented the + short-haired girl as his sister. Kanine’s wife looked at us with plainly + discernible fear and said nothing, evidently displeased over our being + there. However, we had no choice and consequently began drinking tea and + eating our bread and cold meat. + </p> + <p> + Kanine told us that ever since the telegraph line had been destroyed all + his family and relatives had felt very keenly the poverty and hardship + that naturally followed. The Bolsheviki did not send him any salary from + Irkutsk, so that he was compelled to shift for himself as best he could. + They cut and cured hay for sale to the Russian colonists, handled private + messages and merchandise from Khathyl to Uliassutai and Samgaltai, bought + and sold cattle, hunted and in this manner managed to exist. Gorokoff + announced that his commercial affairs compelled him to go to Khathyl and + that he and his sister would be glad to join our caravan. He had a most + unprepossessing, angry-looking face with colorless eyes that always + avoided those of the person with whom he was speaking. During the + conversation we asked Kanine if there were Russian colonists near by, to + which he answered with knitted brow and a look of disgust on his face: + </p> + <p> + “There is one rich old man, Bobroff, who lives a verst away from our + station; but I would not advise you to visit him. He is a miserly, + inhospitable old fellow who does not like guests.” + </p> + <p> + During these words of her husband Madame Kanine dropped her eyes and + contracted her shoulders in something resembling a shudder. Gorokoff and + his sister smoked along indifferently. I very clearly remarked all this as + well as the hostile tone of Kanine, the confusion of his wife and the + artificial indifference of Gorokoff; and I determined to see the old + colonist given such a bad name by Kanine. In Uliassutai I knew two + Bobroffs. I said to Kanine that I had been asked to hand a letter + personally to Bobroff and, after finishing my tea, put on my overcoat and + went out. + </p> + <p> + The house of Bobroff stood in a deep sink in the mountains, surrounded by + a high fence over which the low roofs of the houses could be seen. A light + shone through the window. I knocked at the gate. A furious barking of dogs + answered me and through the cracks of the fence I made out four huge black + Mongol dogs, showing their teeth and growling as they rushed toward the + gate. Inside the court someone opened the door and called out: “Who is + there?” + </p> + <p> + I answered that I was traveling through from Uliassutai. The dogs were + first caught and chained and I was then admitted by a man who looked me + over very carefully and inquiringly from head to foot. A revolver handle + stuck out of his pocket. Satisfied with his observations and learning that + I knew his relatives, he warmly welcomed me to the house and presented me + to his wife, a dignified old woman, and to his beautiful little adopted + daughter, a girl of five years. She had been found on the plain beside the + dead body of her mother exhausted in her attempt to escape from the + Bolsheviki in Siberia. + </p> + <p> + Bobroff told me that the Russian detachment of Kazagrandi had succeeded in + driving the Red troops away from the Kosogol and that we could + consequently continue our trip to Khathyl without danger. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not stop with me instead of with those brigands?” asked the + old fellow. + </p> + <p> + I began to question him and received some very important news. It seemed + that Kanine was a Bolshevik, the agent of the Irkutsk Soviet, and + stationed here for purposes of observation. However, now he was rendered + harmless, because the road between him and Irkutsk was interrupted. Still + from Biisk in the Altai country had just come a very important commissar. + </p> + <p> + “Gorokoff?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “That’s what he calls himself,” replied the old fellow; “but I am also + from Biisk and I know everyone there. His real name is Pouzikoff and the + short-haired girl with him is his mistress. He is the commissar of the + ‘Cheka’ and she is the agent of this establishment. Last August the two of + them shot with their revolvers seventy bound officers from Kolchak’s army. + Villainous, cowardly murderers! Now they have come here for a + reconnaissance. They wanted to stay in my house but I knew them too well + and refused them place.” + </p> + <p> + “And you do not fear him?” I asked, remembering the different words and + glances of these people as they sat at the table in the station. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered the old man. “I know how to defend myself and my family and + I have a protector too—my son, such a shot, a rider and a fighter as + does not exist in all Mongolia. I am very sorry that you will not make the + acquaintance of my boy. He has gone off to the herds and will return only + tomorrow evening.” + </p> + <p> + We took most cordial leave of each other and I promised to stop with him + on my return. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what yarns did Bobroff tell you about us?” was the question with + which Kanine and Gorokoff met me when I came back to the station. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing about you,” I answered, “because he did not even want to speak + with me when he found out that I was staying in your house. What is the + trouble between you?” I asked of them, expressing complete astonishment on + my face. + </p> + <p> + “It is an old score,” growled Gorokoff. + </p> + <p> + “A malicious old churl,” Kanine added in agreement, the while the + frightened, suffering-laden eyes of his wife again gave expression to + terrifying horror, as if she momentarily expected a deadly blow. Gorokoff + began to pack his luggage in preparation for the journey with us the + following morning. We prepared our simple beds in an adjoining room and + went to sleep. I whispered to my friend to keep his revolver handy for + anything that might happen but he only smiled as he dragged his revolver + and his ax from his coat to place them under his pillow. + </p> + <p> + “This people at the outset seemed to me very suspicious,” he whispered. + “They are cooking up something crooked. Tomorrow I shall ride behind this + Gorokoff and shall prepare for him a very faithful one of my bullets, a + little dum-dum.” + </p> + <p> + The Mongols spent the night under their tent in the open court beside + their camels, because they wanted to be near to feed them. About seven + o’clock we started. My friend took up his post as rear guard to our + caravan, keeping all the time behind Gorokoff, who with his sister, both + armed from tip to toe, rode splendid mounts. + </p> + <p> + “How have you kept your horses in such fine condition coming all the way + from Samgaltai?” I inquired as I looked over their fine beasts. + </p> + <p> + When he answered that these belonged to his host, I realized that Kanine + was not so poor as he made out; for any rich Mongol would have given him + in exchange for one of these lovely animals enough sheep to have kept his + household in mutton for a whole year. + </p> + <p> + Soon we came to a large swamp surrounded by dense brush, where I was much + astonished by seeing literally hundreds of white kuropatka or partridges. + Out of the water rose a flock of duck with a mad rush as we hove in sight. + Winter, cold driving wind, snow and wild ducks! The Mongol explained it to + me thus: + </p> + <p> + “This swamp always remains warm and never freezes. The wild ducks live + here the year round and the kuropatka too, finding fresh food in the soft + warm earth.” + </p> + <p> + As I was speaking with the Mongol I noticed over the swamp a tongue of + reddish-yellow flame. It flashed and disappeared at once but later, on the + farther edge, two further tongues ran upward. I realized that here was the + real will-o’-the-wisp surrounded by so many thousands of legends and + explained so simply by chemistry as merely a flash of methane or swamp gas + generated by the putrefying of vegetable matter in the warm damp earth. + </p> + <p> + “Here dwell the demons of Adair, who are in perpetual war with those of + Muren,” explained the Mongol. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” I thought, “if in prosaic Europe in our days the inhabitants of + our villages believe these flames to be some wild sorcery, then surely in + the land of mystery they must be at least the evidences of war between the + demons of two neighboring rivers!” + </p> + <p> + After passing this swamp we made out far ahead of us a large monastery. + Though this was some half mile off the road, the Gorokoffs said they would + ride over to it to make some purchases in the Chinese shops there. They + quickly rode away, promising to overtake us shortly, but we did not see + them again for a while. They slipped away without leaving any trail but we + met them later in very unexpected circumstances of fatal portent for them. + On our part we were highly satisfied that we were rid of them so soon and, + after they were gone, I imparted to my friend the information gleaned from + Bobroff the evening before. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII + </h2> + <h3> + ON A VOLCANO + </h3> + <p> + The following evening we arrived at Khathyl, a small Russian settlement of + ten scattered houses in the valley of the Egingol or Yaga, which here + takes its waters from the Kosogol half a mile above the village. The + Kosogol is a huge Alpine lake, deep and cold, eighty-five miles in length + and from ten to thirty in width. On the western shore live the Darkhat + Soyots, who call it Hubsugul, the Mongols, Kosogol. Both the Soyots and + Mongols consider this a terrible and sacred lake. It is very easy to + understand this prejudice because the lake lies in a region of present + volcanic activity, where in the summer on perfectly calm sunny days it + sometimes lashes itself into great waves that are dangerous not only to + the native fishing boats but also to the large Russian passenger steamers + that ply on the lake. In winter also it sometimes entirely breaks up its + covering of ice and gives off great clouds of steam. Evidently the bottom + of the lake is sporadically pierced by discharging hot springs or, + perhaps, by streams of lava. Evidence of some great underground convulsion + like this is afforded by the mass of killed fish which at times dams the + outlet river in its shallow places. The lake is exceedingly rich in fish, + chiefly varieties of trout and salmon, and is famous for its wonderful + “white fish,” which was previously sent all over Siberia and even down + into Manchuria so far as Moukden. It is fat and remarkably tender and + produces fine caviar. Another variety in the lake is the white khayrus or + trout, which in the migration season, contrary to the customs of most + fish, goes down stream into the Yaga, where it sometimes fills the river + from bank to bank with swarms of backs breaking the surface of the water. + However, this fish is not caught, because it is infested with worms and is + unfit for food. Even cats and dogs will not touch it. This is a very + interesting phemonenon and was being investigated and studied by Professor + Dorogostaisky of the University at Irkutsk when the coming of the + Bolsheviki interrupted his work. + </p> + <p> + In Khathyl we found a panic. The Russian detachment of Colonel Kazagrandi, + after having twice defeated the Bolsheviki and well on its march against + Irkutsk, was suddenly rendered impotent and scattered through internal + strife among the officers. The Bolsheviki took advantage of this + situation, increased their forces to one thousand men and began a forward + movement to recover what they had lost, while the remnants of Colonel + Kazagrandi’s detachment were retreating on Khathyl, where he determined to + make his last stand against the Reds. The inhabitants were loading their + movable property with their families into carts and scurrying away from + the town, leaving all their cattle and horses to whomsoever should have + the power to seize and hold them. One party intended to hide in the dense + larch forest and the mountain ravines not far away, while another party + made southward for Muren Kure and Uliassutai. The morning following our + arrival the Mongol official received word that the Red troops had + outflanked Colonel Kazagrandi’s men and were approaching Khathyl. The + Mongol loaded his documents and his servants on eleven camels and left his + yamen. Our Mongol guides, without ever saying a word to us, secretly + slipped off with him and left us without camels. Our situation thus became + desperate. We hastened to the colonists who had not yet got away to + bargain with them for camels, but they had previously, in anticipation of + trouble, sent their herds to distant Mongols and so could do nothing to + help us. Then we betook ourselves to Dr. V. G. Gay, a veterinarian living + in the town, famous throughout Mongolia for his battle against rinderpest. + He lived here with his family and after being forced to give up his + government work became a cattle dealer. He was a most interesting person, + clever and energetic, and the one who had been appointed under the Czarist + regime to purchase all the meat supplies from Mongolia for the Russian + Army on the German Front. He organized a huge enterprise in Mongolia but + when the Bolsheviki seized power in 1917 he transferred his allegiance and + began to work with them. Then in May, 1918, when the Kolchak forces drove + the Bolsheviki out of Siberia, he was arrested and taken for trial. + However, he was released because he was looked upon as the single + individual to organize this big Mongolian enterprise and he handed to + Admiral Kolchak all the supplies of meat and the silver formerly received + from the Soviet commissars. At this time Gay had been serving as the chief + organizer and supplier of the forces of Kazagrandi. + </p> + <p> + When we went to him, he at once suggested that we take the only thing + left, some poor, broken-down horses which would be able to carry us the + sixty miles to Muren Kure, where we could secure camels to return to + Uliassutai. However, even these were being kept some distance from the + town so that we should have to spend the night there, the night in which + the Red troops were expected to arrive. Also we were much astonished to + see that Gay was remaining there with his family right up to the time of + the expected arrival of the Reds. The only others in the town were a few + Cossacks, who had been ordered to stay behind to watch the movements of + the Red troops. The night came. My friend and I were prepared either to + fight or, in the last event, to commit suicide. We stayed in a small house + near the Yaga, where some workmen were living who could not, and did not + feel it necessary to, leave. They went up on a hill from which they could + scan the whole country up to the range from behind which the Red + detachment must appear. From this vantage point in the forest one of the + workmen came running in and cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Woe, woe to us! The Reds have arrived. A horseman is galloping fast + through the forest road. I called to him but he did not answer me. It was + dark but I knew the horse was a strange one.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not babble so,” said another of the workmen. “Some Mongol rode by and + you jumped to the conclusion that he was a Red.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it was not a Mongol,” he replied. “The horse was shod. I heard the + sound of iron shoes on the road. Woe to us!” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said my friend, “it seems that this is our finish. It is a silly + way for it all to end.” + </p> + <p> + He was right. Just then there was a knock at our door but it was that of + the Mongol bringing us three horses for our escape. Immediately we saddled + them, packed the third beast with our tent and food and rode off at once + to take leave of Gay. + </p> + <p> + In his house we found the whole war council. Two or three colonists and + several Cossacks had galloped from the mountains and announced that the + Red detachment was approaching Khathyl but would remain for the night in + the forest, where they were building campfires. In fact, through the house + windows we could see the glare of the fires. It seemed very strange that + the enemy should await the morning there in the forest when they were + right on the village they wished to capture. + </p> + <p> + An armed Cossack entered the room and announced that two armed men from + the detachment were approaching. All the men in the room pricked up their + ears. Outside were heard the horses’ hoofs followed by men’s voices and a + knock at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Come in,” said Gay. + </p> + <p> + Two young men entered, their moustaches and beards white and their cheeks + blazing red from the cold. They were dressed in the common Siberian + overcoat with the big Astrakhan caps, but they had no weapons. Questions + began. It developed that it was a detachment of White peasants from the + Irkutsk and Yakutsk districts who had been fighting with the Bolsheviki. + They had been defeated somewhere in the vicinity of Irkutsk and were now + trying to make a junction with Kazagrandi. The leader of this band was a + socialist, Captain Vassilieff, who had suffered much under the Czar + because of his tenets. + </p> + <p> + Our troubles had vanished but we decided to start immediately to Muren + Kure, as we had gathered our information and were in a hurry to make our + report. We started. On the road we overtook three Cossacks who were going + out to bring back the colonists who were fleeing to the south. We joined + them and, dismounting, we all led our horses over the ice. The Yaga was + mad. The subterranean forces produced underneath the ice great heaving + waves which with a swirling roar threw up and tore loose great sections of + ice, breaking them into small blocks and sucking them under the unbroken + downstream field. Cracks ran like snakes over the surface in different + directions. One of the Cossacks fell into one of these but we had just + time to save him. He was forced by his ducking in such extreme cold to + turn back to Khathyl. Our horses slipped about and fell several times. Men + and animals felt the presence of death which hovered over them and + momentarily threatened them with destruction. At last we made the farther + bank and continued southward down the valley, glad to have left the + geological and figurative volcanoes behind us. Ten miles farther on we + came up with the first party of refugees. They had spread a big tent and + made a fire inside, filling it with warmth and smoke. Their camp was made + beside the establishment of a large Chinese trading house, where the + owners refused to let the colonists come into their amply spacious + buildings, even though there were children, women and invalids among the + refugees. We spent but half an hour here. The road as we continued was + easy, save in places where the snow lay deep. We crossed the fairly high + divide between the Egingol and Muren. Near the pass one very unexpected + event occurred to us. We crossed the mouth of a fairly wide valley whose + upper end was covered with a dense wood. Near this wood we noticed two + horsemen, evidently watching us. Their manner of sitting in their saddles + and the character of their horses told us that they were not Mongols. We + began shouting and waving to them; but they did not answer. Out of the + wood emerged a third and stopped to look at us. We decided to interview + them and, whipping up our horses, galloped toward them. When we were about + one thousand yards from them, they slipped from their saddles and opened + on us with a running fire. Fortunately we rode a little apart and thus + made a poor target for them. We jumped off our horses, dropped prone on + the ground and prepared to fight. However, we did not fire because we + thought it might be a mistake on their part, thinking that we were Reds. + They shortly made off. Their shots from the European rifles had given us + further proof that they were not Mongols. We waited until they had + disappeared into the woods and then went forward to investigate their + tracks, which we found were those of shod horses, clearly corroborating + the earlier evidence that they were not Mongols. Who could they have been? + We never found out; yet what a different relationship they might have + borne to our lives, had their shots been true! + </p> + <p> + After we had passed over the divide, we met the Russian colonist D. A. + Teternikoff from Muren Kure, who invited us to stay in his house and + promised to secure camels for us from the Lamas. The cold was intense and + heightened by a piercing wind. During the day we froze to the bone but at + night thawed and warmed up nicely by our tent stove. After two days we + entered the valley of Muren and from afar made out the square of the Kure + with its Chinese roofs and large red temples. Nearby was a second square, + the Chinese and Russian settlement. Two hours more brought us to the house + of our hospitable companion and his attractive young wife who feasted us + with a wonderful luncheon of tasty dishes. We spent five days at Muren + waiting for the camels to be engaged. During this time many refugees + arrived from Khathyl because Colonel Kazagrandi was gradually falling back + upon the town. Among others there were two Colonels, Plavako and + Maklakoff, who had caused the disruption of the Kazagrandi force. No + sooner had the refugees appeared in Muren Kure than the Mongolian + officials announced that the Chinese authorities had ordered them to drive + out all Russian refugees. + </p> + <p> + “Where can we go now in winter with women and children and no homes of our + own?” asked the distraught refugees. + </p> + <p> + “That is of no moment to us,” answered the Mongolian officials. “The + Chinese authorities are angry and have ordered us to drive you away. We + cannot help you at all.” + </p> + <p> + The refugees had to leave Muren Kure and so erected their tents in the + open not far away. Plavako and Maklakoff bought horses and started out for + Van Kure. Long afterwards I learned that both had been killed by the + Chinese along the road. + </p> + <p> + We secured three camels and started out with a large group of Chinese + merchants and Russian refugees to make Uliassutai, preserving the warmest + recollections of our courteous hosts, T. V. and D. A. Teternikoff. For the + trip we had to pay for our camels the very high price of 33 lan of the + silver bullion which had been supplied us by an American firm in + Uliassutai, the equivalent roughly of 2.7 pounds of the white metal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV + </h2> + <h3> + A BLOODY CHASTISEMENT + </h3> + <p> + Before long we struck the road which we had travelled coming north and saw + again the kindly rows of chopped down telegraph poles which had once so + warmly protected us. Over the timbered hillocks north of the valley of + Tisingol we wended just as it was growing dark. We decided to stay in + Bobroff’s house and our companions thought to seek the hospitality of + Kanine in the telegraph station. At the station gate we found a soldier + with a rifle, who questioned us as to who we were and whence we had come + and, being apparently satisfied, whistled out a young officer from the + house. + </p> + <p> + “Lieutenant Ivanoff,” he introduced himself. “I am staying here with my + detachment of White Partisans.” + </p> + <p> + He had come from near Irkutsk with his following of ten men and had formed + a connection with Lieutenant-Colonel Michailoff at Uliassutai, who + commanded him to take possession of this blockhouse. + </p> + <p> + “Enter, please,” he said hospitably. + </p> + <p> + I explained to him that I wanted to stay with Bobroff, whereat he made a + despairing gesture with his hand and said: + </p> + <p> + “Don’t trouble yourself. The Bobroffs are killed and their house burned.” + </p> + <p> + I could not keep back a cry of horror. + </p> + <p> + The Lieutenant continued: “Kanine and the Pouzikoffs killed them, pillaged + the place and afterwards burned the house with their dead bodies in it. Do + you want to see it?” + </p> + <p> + My friend and I went with the Lieutenant and looked over the ominous site. + Blackened uprights stood among charred beams and planks while crockery and + iron pots and pans were scattered all around. A little to one side under + some felt lay the remains of the four unfortunate individuals. The + Lieutenant first spoke: + </p> + <p> + “I reported the case to Uliassutai and received word back that the + relatives of the deceased would come with two officers, who would + investigate the affair. That is why I cannot bury the bodies.” + </p> + <p> + “How did it happen?” we asked, oppressed by the sad picture. + </p> + <p> + “It was like this,” he began. “I was approaching Tisingol at night with my + ten soldiers. Fearing that there might be Reds here, we sneaked up to the + station and looked into the windows. We saw Pouzikoff, Kanine and the + short-haired girl, looking over and dividing clothes and other things and + weighing lumps of silver. I did not at once grasp the significance of all + this; but, feeling the need for continued caution, ordered one of my + soldiers to climb the fence and open the gate. We rushed into the court. + The first to run from the house was Kanine’s wife, who threw up her hands + and shrieked in fear: ‘I knew that misfortune would come of all this!’ and + then fainted. One of the men ran out of a side door to a shed in the yard + and there tried to get over the fence. I had not noticed him but one of my + soldiers caught him. We were met at the door by Kanine, who was white and + trembling. I realized that something important had taken place, placed + them all under arrest, ordered the men tied and placed a close guard. All + my questions were met with silence save by Madame Kanine who cried: ‘Pity, + pity for the children! They are innocent!’ as she dropped on her knees and + stretched out her hands in supplication to us. The short-haired girl + laughed out of impudent eyes and blew a puff of smoke into my face. I was + forced to threaten them and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘I know that you have committed some crime, but you do not want to + confess. If you do not, I shall shoot the men and take the women to + Uliassutai to try them there.’ + </p> + <p> + “I spoke with definiteness of voice and intention, for they roused my + deepest anger. Quite to my surprise the short-haired girl first began to + speak. + </p> + <p> + “‘I want to tell you about everything,’ she said. + </p> + <p> + “I ordered ink, paper and pen brought me. My soldiers were the witnesses. + Then I prepared the protocol of the confession of Pouzikoff’s wife. This + was her dark and bloody tale. + </p> + <p> + “‘My husband and I are Bolshevik commissars and we have been sent to find + out how many White officers are hidden in Mongolia. But the old fellow + Bobroff knew us. We wanted to go away but Kanine kept us, telling us that + Bobroff was rich and that he had for a long time wanted to kill him and + pillage his place. We agreed to join him. We decoyed the young Bobroff to + come and play cards with us. When he was going home my husband stole along + behind and shot him. Afterwards we all went to Bobroff’s place. I climbed + upon the fence and threw some poisoned meat to the dogs, who were dead in + a few minutes. Then we all climbed over. The first person to emerge from + the house was Bobroff’s wife. Pouzikoff, who was hidden behind the door, + killed her with his ax. The old fellow we killed with a blow of the ax as + he slept. The little girl ran out into the room as she heard the noise and + Kanine shot her in the head with buckshot. Afterwards we looted the house + and burned it, even destroying the horses and cattle. Later all would have + been completely burned, so that no traces remained, but you suddenly + arrived and these stupid fellows at once betrayed us.’ + </p> + <p> + “It was a dastardly affair,” continued the Lieutenant, as we returned to + the station. “The hair raised on my head as I listened to the calm + description of this young woman, hardly more than a girl. Only then did I + fully realize what depravity Bolshevism had brought into the world, + crushing out faith, fear of God and conscience. Only then did I understand + that all honest people must fight without compromise against this most + dangerous enemy of mankind, so long as life and strength endure.” + </p> + <p> + As we walked I noticed at the side of the road a black spot. It attracted + and fixed my attention. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” I asked, pointing to the spot. + </p> + <p> + “It is the murderer Pouzikoff whom I shot,” answered the Lieutenant. “I + would have shot both Kanine and the wife of Pouzikoff but I was sorry for + Kanine’s wife and children and I haven’t learned the lesson of shooting + women. Now I shall send them along with you under the surveillance of my + soldiers to Uliassutai. The same result will come, for the Mongols who try + them for the murder will surely kill them.” + </p> + <p> + This is what happened at Tisingol, on whose shores the will-o’-the-wisp + flits over the marshy pools and near which runs the cleavage of over two + hundred miles that the last earthquake left in the surface of the land. + Maybe it was out of this cleavage that Pouzikoff, Kanine and the others + who have sought to infect the whole world with horror and crime made their + appearance from the land of the inferno. One of Lieutenant Ivanoff’s + soldiers, who was always praying and pale, called them all “the servants + of Satan.” + </p> + <p> + Our trip from Tisingol to Uliassutai in the company of these criminals was + very unpleasant. My friend and I entirely lost our usual strength of + spirit and healthy frame of mind. Kanine persistently brooded and thought + while the impudent woman laughed, smoked and joked with the soldiers and + several of our companions. At last we crossed the Jagisstai and in a few + hours descried at first the fortress and then the low adobe houses huddled + on the plain, which we knew to be Uliassutai. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV + </h2> + <h3> + HARASSING DAYS + </h3> + <p> + Once more we found ourselves in the whirl of events. During our fortnight + away a great deal had happened here. The Chinese Commissioner Wang + Tsao-tsun had sent eleven envoys to Urga but none had returned. The + situation in Mongolia remained far from clear. The Russian detachment had + been increased by the arrival of new colonists and secretly continued its + illegal existence, although the Chinese knew about it through their + omnipresent system of spies. In the town no Russian or foreign citizens + left their houses and all remained armed and ready to act. At night armed + sentinels stood guard in all their court-yards. It was the Chinese who + induced such precautions. By order of their Commissioner all the Chinese + merchants with stocks of rifles armed their staffs and handed over any + surplus guns to the officials, who with these formed and equipped a force + of two hundred coolies into a special garrison of gamins. Then they took + possession of the Mongolian arsenal and distributed these additional guns + among the Chinese vegetable farmers in the nagan hushun, where there was + always a floating population of the lowest grade of transient Chinese + laborers. This trash of China now felt themselves strong, gathered + together in excited discussions and evidently were preparing for some + outburst of aggression. At night the coolies transported many boxes of + cartridges from the Chinese shops to the nagan hushun and the behaviour of + the Chinese mob became unbearably audacious. These coolies and gamins + impertinently stopped and searched people right on the streets and sought + to provoke fights that would allow them to take anything they wanted. + Through secret news we received from certain Chinese quarters we learned + that the Chinese were preparing a pogrom for all the Russians and Mongols + in Uliassutai. We fully realized that it was only necessary to fire one + single house at the right part of the town and the entire settlement of + wooden buildings would go up in flames. The whole population prepared to + defend themselves, increased the sentinels in the compounds, appointed + leaders for certain sections of the town, organized a special fire brigade + and prepared horses, carts and food for a hasty flight. The situation + became worse when news arrived from Kobdo that the Chinese there had made + a pogrom, killing some of the inhabitants and burning the whole town after + a wild looting orgy. Most of the people got away to the forests on the + mountains but it was at night and consequently without warm clothes and + without food. During the following days these mountains around Kobdo heard + many cries of misfortune, woe and death. The severe cold and hunger killed + off the women and children out under the open sky of the Mongolian winter. + This news was soon known to the Chinese. They laughed in mockery and soon + organized a big meeting at the nagan hushun to discuss letting the mob and + gamins loose on the town. + </p> + <p> + A young Chinese, the son of a cook of one of the colonists, revealed this + news. We immediately decided to make an investigation. A Russian officer + and my friend joined me with this young Chinese as a guide for a trip to + the outskirts of the town. We feigned simply a stroll but were stopped by + the Chinese sentinel on the side of the city toward the nagan hushun with + an impertinent command that no one was allowed to leave the town. As we + spoke with him, I noticed that between the town and the nagan hushun + Chinese guards were stationed all along the way and that streams of + Chinese were moving in that direction. We saw at once it was impossible to + reach the meeting from this approach, so we chose another route. We left + the city from the eastern side and passed along by the camp of the + Mongolians who had been reduced to beggary by the Chinese impositions. + There also they were evidently anxiously awaiting the turn of events, for, + in spite of the lateness of the hour, none had gone to sleep. We slipped + out on the ice and worked around by the river to the nagan hushun. As we + passed free of the city we began to sneak cautiously along, taking + advantage of every bit of cover. We were armed with revolvers and hand + grenades and knew that a small detachment had been prepared in the town to + come to our aid, if we should be in danger. First the young Chinese stole + forward with my friend following him like a shadow, constantly reminding + him that he would strangle him like a mouse if he made one move to betray + us. I fear the young guide did not greatly enjoy the trip with my gigantic + friend puffing all too loudly with the unusual exertions. At last the + fences of nagan hushun were in sight and nothing between us and them save + the open plain, where our group would have been easily spotted; so that we + decided to crawl up one by one, save that the Chinese was retained in the + society of my trusted friend. Fortunately there were many heaps of frozen + manure on the plain, which we made use of as cover to lead us right up to + our objective point, the fence of the enclosures. In the shadow of this we + slunk along to the courtyard where the voices of the excited crowd + beckoned us. As we took good vantage points in the darkness for listening + and making observations, we remarked two extraordinary things in our + immediate neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + Another invisible guest was present with us at the Chinese gathering. He + lay on the ground with his head in a hole dug by the dogs under the fence. + He was perfectly still and evidently had not heard our advance. Nearby in + a ditch lay a white horse with his nose muzzled and a little further away + stood another saddled horse tied to a fence. + </p> + <p> + In the courtyard there was a great hubbub. About two thousand men were + shouting, arguing and flourishing their arms about in wild gesticulations. + Nearly all were armed with rifles, revolvers, swords and axes. In among + the crowd circulated the gamins, constantly talking, handing out papers, + explaining and assuring. Finally a big, broad-shouldered Chinese mounted + the well combing, waved his rifle about over his head and opened a tirade + in strong, sharp tones. + </p> + <p> + “He is assuring the people,” said our interpreter, “that they must do here + what the Chinese have done in Kobdo and must secure from the Commissioner + the assurance of an order to his guard not to prevent the carrying out of + their plans. Also that the Chinese Commissioner must demand from the + Russians all their weapons. ‘Then we shall take vengeance on the Russians + for their Blagoveschensk crime when they drowned three thousand Chinese in + 1900. You remain here while I go to the Commissioner and talk with him.’” + </p> + <p> + He jumped down from the well and quickly made his way to the gate toward + the town. At once I saw the man who was lying with his head under the + fence draw back out of his hole, take his white horse from the ditch and + then run over to untie the other horse and lead them both back to our + side, which was away from the city. He left the second horse there and hid + himself around the corner of the hushun. The spokesman went out of the + gate and, seeing his horse over on the other side of the enclosure, slung + his rifle across his back and started for his mount. He had gone about + half way when the stranger behind the corner of the fence suddenly + galloped out and in a flash literally swung the man clear from the ground + up across the pommel of his saddle, where we saw him tie the mouth of the + semi-strangled Chinese with a cloth and dash off with him toward the west + away from the town. + </p> + <p> + “Who do you suppose he is?” I asked of my friend, who answered up at once: + “It must be Tushegoun Lama. . . .” + </p> + <p> + His whole appearance did strongly remind me of this mysterious Lama + avenger and his manner of addressing himself to his enemy was a strict + replica of that of Tushegoun. Late in the night we learned that some time + after their orator had gone to seek the Commissioner’s cooperation in + their venture, his head had been flung over the fence into the midst of + the waiting audience and that eight gamins had disappeared on their way + from the hushun to the town without leaving trace or trail. This event + terrorized the Chinese mob and calmed their heated spirits. + </p> + <p> + The next day we received very unexpected aid. A young Mongol galloped in + from Urga, his overcoat torn, his hair all dishevelled and fallen to his + shoulders and a revolver prominent beneath his girdle. Proceeding directly + to the market where the Mongols are always gathered, without leaving his + saddle he cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Urga is captured by our Mongols and Chiang Chun Baron Ungern! Bogdo + Hutuktu is once more our Khan! Mongols, kill the Chinese and pillage their + shops! Our patience is exhausted!” + </p> + <p> + Through the crowd rose the roar of excitement. The rider was surrounded + with a mob of insistent questioners. The old Mongol Sait, Chultun Beyli, + who had been dismissed by the Chinese, was at once informed of this news + and asked to have the messenger brought to him. After questioning the man + he arrested him for inciting the people to riot, but he refused to turn + him over to the Chinese authorities. I was personally with the Sait at the + time and heard his decision in the matter. When the Chinese Commissioner, + Wang Tsao-tsun, threatened the Sait for disobedience to his authority, the + old man simply fingered his rosary and said: + </p> + <p> + “I believe the story of this Mongol in its every word and I apprehend that + you and I shall soon have to reverse our relationship.” + </p> + <p> + I felt that Wang Tsao-tsun also accepted the correctness of the Mongol’s + story, because he did not insist further. From this moment the Chinese + disappeared from the streets of Uliassutai as though they never had been, + and synchronously the patrols of the Russian officers and of our foreign + colony took their places. The panic among the Chinese was heightened by + the receipt of a letter containing the news that the Mongols and Altai + Tartars under the leadership of the Tartar officer Kaigorodoff pursued the + Chinese who were making off with their booty from the sack of Kobdo and + overtook and annihilated them on the borders of Sinkiang. Another part of + the letter told how General Bakitch and the six thousand men who had been + interned with him by the Chinese authorities on the River Amyl had + received arms and started to join with Ataman Annenkoff, who had been + interned in Kuldja, with the ultimate intention of linking up with Baron + Ungern. This rumour proved to be wrong because neither Bakitch nor + Annenkoff entertained this intention, because Annenkoff had been + transported by the Chinese into the Depths of Turkestan. However, the news + produced veritable stupefaction among the Chinese. + </p> + <p> + Just at this time there arrived at the house of the Bolshevist Russian + colonist Bourdukoff three Bolshevik agents from Irkutsk named Saltikoff, + Freimann and Novak, who started an agitation among the Chinese authorities + to get them to disarm the Russian officers and hand them over to the Reds. + They persuaded the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to petition the Irkutsk + Soviet to send a detachment of Reds to Uliassutai for the protection of + the Chinese against the White detachments. Freimann brought with him + communistic pamphlets in Mongolian and instructions to begin the + reconstruction of the telegraph line to Irkutsk. Bourdukoff also received + some messages from the Bolsheviki. This quartette developed their policy + very successfully and soon saw Wang Tsao-tsun fall in with their schemes. + Once more the days of expecting a pogrom in Uliassutai returned to us. The + Russian officers anticipated attempts to arrest them. The representative + of one of the American firms went with me to the Commissioner for a + parley. We pointed out to him the illegality of his acts, inasmuch as he + was not authorized by his Government to treat with the Bolsheviki when the + Soviet Government had not been recognized by Peking. Wang Tsao-tsun and + his advisor Fu Hsiang were palpably confused at finding we knew of his + secret meetings with the Bolshevik agents. He assured us that his guard + was sufficient to prevent any such pogrom. It was quite true that his + guard was very capable, as it consisted of well trained and disciplined + soldiers under the command of a serious-minded and well educated officer; + but, what could eighty soldiers do against a mob of three thousand + coolies, one thousand armed merchants and two hundred gamins? We strongly + registered our apprehensions and urged him to avoid any bloodshed, + pointing out that the foreign and Russian population were determined to + defend themselves to the last moment. Wang at once ordered the + establishment of strong guards on the streets and thus made a very + interesting picture with all the Russian, foreign and Chinese patrols + moving up and down throughout the whole town. Then we did not know there + were three hundred more sentinels on duty, the men of Tushegoun Lama + hidden nearby in the mountains. + </p> + <p> + Once more the picture changed very sharply and suddenly. The Mongolian + Sait received news through the Lamas of the nearest monastery that Colonel + Kazagrandi, after fighting with the Chinese irregulars, had captured Van + Kure and had formed there Russian-Mongolian brigades of cavalry, + mobilizing the Mongols by the order of the Living Buddha and the Russians + by order of Baron Ungern. A few hours later it became known that in the + large monastery of Dzain the Chinese soldiers had killed the Russian + Captain Barsky and as a result some of the troops of Kazagrandi attacked + and swept the Chinese out of the place. At the taking of Van Kure the + Russians arrested a Korean Communist who was on his way from Moscow with + gold and propaganda to work in Korea and America. Colonel Kazagrandi sent + this Korean with his freight of gold to Baron Ungern. After receiving this + news the chief of the Russian detachment in Uliassutai arrested all the + Bolsheviki agents and passed judgment upon them and upon the murderers of + the Bobroffs. Kanine, Madame Pouzikoff and Freimann were shot. Regarding + Saltikoff and Novak some doubt sprang up and, moreover, Saltikoff escaped + and hid, while Novak, under advice from Lieutenant Colonel Michailoff, + left for the west. The chief of the Russian detachment gave out orders for + the mobilization of the Russian colonists and openly took Uliassutai under + his protection with the tacit agreement of the Mongolian authorities. The + Mongol Sait, Chultun Beyli, convened a council of the neighboring + Mongolian Princes, the soul of which was the noted Mongolian patriot, Hun + Jap Lama. The Princes quickly formulated their demands upon the Chinese + for the complete evacuation of the territory subject to the Sait Chultun + Beyli. Out of it grew parleys, threats and friction between the various + Chinese and Mongolian elements. Wang Tsao-tsun proposed his scheme of + settlement, which some of the Mongolian Princes accepted; but Jap Lama at + the decisive moment threw the Chinese document to the ground, drew his + knife and swore that he would die by his own hand rather than set it as a + seal upon this treacherous agreement. As a result the Chinese proposals + were rejected and the antagonists began to prepare themselves for the + struggle. All the armed Mongols were summoned from Jassaktu Khan, + Sain-Noion Khan and the dominion of Jahantsi Lama. The Chinese authorities + placed their four machine guns and prepared to defend the fortress. + Continuous deliberations were held by both the Chinese and Mongols. + Finally, our old acquaintance Tzeren came to me as one of the unconcerned + foreigners and handed to me the joint requests of Wang Tsao-tsun and + Chultun Beyli to try to pacify the two elements and to work out a fair + agreement between them. Similar requests were handed to the representative + of an American firm. The following evening we held the first meeting of + the arbitrators and the Chinese and Mongolian representatives. It was + passionate and stormy, so that we foreigners lost all hope of the success + of our mission. However, at midnight when the speakers were tired, we + secured agreement on two points: the Mongols announced that they did not + want to make war and that they desired to settle this matter in such a way + as to retain the friendship of the great Chinese people; while the Chinese + Commissioner acknowledged that China had violated the treaties by which + full independence had been legally granted to Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + These two points formed for us the groundwork of the next meeting and gave + us the starting points for urging reconciliation. The deliberations + continued for three days and finally turned so that we foreigners could + propose our suggestions for an agreement. Its chief provisions were that + the Chinese authorities should surrender administrative powers, return the + arms to the Mongolians, disarm the two hundred gamins and leave the + country; and that the Mongols on their side should give free and honorable + passage of their country to the Commissioner with his armed guard of + eighty men. This Chinese-Mongolian Treaty of Uliassutai was signed and + sealed by the Chinese Commissioners, Wang Tsao-tsun and Fu Hsiang, by both + Mongolian Saits, by Hun Jap Lama and other Princes, as well as by the + Russian and Chinese Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce and by us + foreign arbitrators. The Chinese officials and convoy began at once to + pack up their belongings and prepare for departure. The Chinese merchants + remained in Uliassutai because Sait Chultun Beyli, now having full + authority and power, guaranteed their safety. The day of departure for the + expedition of Wang Tsao-tsun arrived. The camels with their packs already + filled the yamen court-yard and the men only awaited the arrival of their + horses from the plains. Suddenly the news spread everywhere that the herd + of horses had been stolen during the night and run off toward the south. + Of two soldiers that had been sent out to follow the tracks of the herd + only one came back with the news that the other had been killed. + Astonishment spread over the whole town while among the Chinese it turned + to open panic. It perceptibly increased when some Mongols from a distant + ourton to the east came in and announced that in various places along the + post road to Urga they had discovered the bodies of sixteen of the + soldiers whom Wang Tsao-tsun had sent out with letters for Urga. The + mystery of these events will soon be explained. + </p> + <p> + The chief of the Russian detachment received a letter from a Cossack + Colonel, V. N. Domojiroff, containing the order to disarm immediately the + Chinese garrison, to arrest all Chinese officials for transport to Baron + Ungern at Urga, to take control of Uliassutai, by force if necessary, and + to join forces with his detachment. At the very same time a messenger from + the Narabanchi Hutuktu galloped in with a letter to the effect that a + Russian detachment under the leadership of Hun Boldon and Colonel + Domojiroff from Urga had pillaged some Chinese firms and killed the + merchants, had come to the Monastery and demanded horses, food and + shelter. The Hutuktu asked for help because the ferocious conqueror of + Kobdo, Hun Boldon, could very easily pillage the unprotected isolated + monastery. We strongly urged Colonel Michailoff not to violate the sealed + treaty and discountenance all the foreigners and Russians who had taken + part in making it, for this would but be to imitate the Bolshevik + principle of making deceit the leading rule in all acts of state. This + touched Michailoff and he answered Domojiroff that Uliassutai was already + in his hands without a fight; that over the building of the former Russian + Consulate the tri-color flag of Russia was flying; the gamins had been + disarmed but that the other orders could not be carried out, because their + execution would violate the Chinese-Mongolian treaty just signed in + Uliassutai. + </p> + <p> + Daily several envoys traveled from Narabanchi Hutuktu to Uliassutai. The + news became more and more disquieting. The Hutuktu reported that Hun + Boldon was mobilizing the Mongolian beggars and horse stealers, arming and + training them; that the soldiers were taking the sheep of the monastery; + that the “Noyon” Domojiroff was always drunk; and that the protests of the + Hutuktu were answered with jeers and scolding. The messengers gave very + indefinite information regarding the strength of the detachment, some + placing it at about thirty while others stated that Domojiroff said he had + eight hundred in all. We could not understand it at all and soon the + messengers ceased coming. All the letters of the Sait remained unanswered + and the envoys did not return. There seemed to be no doubt that the men + had been killed or captured. + </p> + <p> + Prince Chultun Beyli determined to go himself. He took with him the + Russian and Chinese Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce and two + Mongolian officers. Three days elapsed without receiving any news from him + whatever. The Mongols began to get worried. Then the Chinese Commissioner + and Hun Jap Lama addressed a request to the foreigner group to send some + one to Narabanchi, in order to try to resolve the controversy there and to + persuade Domojiroff to recognize the treaty and not permit the “great + insult of violation” of a covenant between the two great peoples. Our + group asked me once more to accomplish this mission pro bono publico. I + had assigned me as interpreter a fine young Russian colonist, the nephew + of the murdered Bobroff, a splendid rider as well as a cool, brave man. + Lt.-Colonel Michailoff gave me one of his officers to accompany me. + Supplied with an express tzara for the post horses and guides, we traveled + rapidly over the way which was now familiar to me to find my old friend, + Jelib Djamsrap Huktuktu of Narabanchi. Although there was deep snow in + some places, we made from one hundred to one hundred and fifteen miles per + day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI + </h2> + <h3> + THE BAND OF WHITE HUNGHUTZES + </h3> + <p> + We arrived at Narabanchi late at night on the third day out. As we were + approaching, we noticed several riders who, as soon as they had seen us, + galloped quickly back to the monastery. For some time we looked for the + camp of the Russian detachment without finding it. The Mongols led us into + the monastery, where the Hutuktu immediately received me. In his yurta sat + Chultun Beyli. There he presented me with hatyks and said to me: “The very + God has sent you here to us in this difficult moment.” + </p> + <p> + It seems Domojiroff had arrested both the Presidents of the Chambers of + Commerce and had threatened to shoot Prince Chultun. Both Domojiroff and + Hun Boldon had no documents legalizing their activities. Chultun Beyli was + preparing to fight with them. + </p> + <p> + I asked them to take me to Domojiroff. Through the dark I saw four big + yurtas and two Mongol sentinels with Russian rifles. We entered the + Russian “Noyon’s” tent. A very strange picture was presented to our eyes. + In the middle of the yurta the brazier was burning. In the usual place for + the altar stood a throne, on which the tall, thin, grey-haired Colonel + Domojiroff was seated. He was only in his undergarments and stockings, was + evidently a little drunk and was telling stories. Around the brazier lay + twelve young men in various picturesque poses. My officer companion + reported to Domojiroff about the events in Uliassutai and during the + conversation I asked Domojiroff where his detachment was encamped. He + laughed and answered, with a sweep of his hand: “This is my detachment.” I + pointed out to him that the form of his orders to us in Uliassutai had led + us to believe that he must have a large company with him. Then I informed + him that Lt.-Colonel Michailoff was preparing to cross swords with the + Bolshevik force approaching Uliassutai. + </p> + <p> + “What?” he exclaimed with fear and confusion, “the Reds?” + </p> + <p> + We spent the night in his yurta and, when I was ready to lie down, my + officer whispered to me: + </p> + <p> + “Be sure to keep your revolver handy,” to which I laughed and said: + </p> + <p> + “But we are in the center of a White detachment and therefore in perfect + safety!” + </p> + <p> + “Uh-huh!” answered my officer and finished the response with one eye + closed. + </p> + <p> + The next day I invited Domojiroff to walk with me over the plain, when I + talked very frankly with him about what had been happening. He and Hun + Boldon had received orders from Baron Ungern simply to get into touch with + General Bakitch, but instead they began pillaging Chinese firms along the + route and he had made up his mind to become a great conqueror. On the way + he had run across some of the officers who deserted Colonel Kazagrandi and + formed his present band. I succeeded in persuading Domojiroff to arrange + matters peacefully with Chultun Beyli and not to violate the treaty. He + immediately went ahead to the monastery. As I returned, I met a tall + Mongol with a ferocious face, dressed in a blue silk outercoat—it + was Hun Boldon. He introduced himself and spoke with me in Russian. I had + only time to take off my coat in the tent of Domojiroff when a Mongol came + running to invite me to the yurta of Hun Boldon. The Prince lived just + beside me in a splendid blue yurta. Knowing the Mongolian custom, I jumped + into the saddle and rode the ten paces to his door. Hun Boldon received me + with coldness and pride. + </p> + <p> + “Who is he?” he inquired of the interpreter, pointing to me with his + finger. + </p> + <p> + I understood his desire to offend me and I answered in the same manner, + thrusting out my finger toward him and turning to the interpreter with the + same question in a slightly more unpleasant tone: + </p> + <p> + “Who is he? High Prince and warrior or shepherd and brute?” + </p> + <p> + Boldon at once became confused and, with trembling voice and agitation in + his whole manner, blurted out to me that he would not allow me to + interfere in his affairs and would shoot every man who dared to run + counter to his orders. He pounded on the low table with his fist and then + rose up and drew his revolver. But I was much traveled among the nomads + and had studied them thoroughly—Princes, Lamas, shepherds and + brigands. I grasped my whip and, striking it on the table with all my + strength, I said to the interpreter: + </p> + <p> + “Tell him that he has the honor to speak with neither Mongol nor Russian + but with a foreigner, a citizen of a great and free state. Tell him he + must first learn to be a man and then he can visit me and we can talk + together.” + </p> + <p> + I turned and went out. Ten minutes later Hun Boldon entered my yurta and + offered his apologies. I persuaded him to parley with Chultun Beyli and + not to offend the free Mongol people with his activities. That very night + all was arranged. Hun Boldon dismissed his Mongols and left for Kobdo, + while Domojiroff with his band started for Jassaktu Khan to arrange for + the mobilization of the Mongols there. With the consent of Chultun Beyli + he wrote to Wang Tsao-tsun a demand to disarm his guard, as all of the + Chinese troops in Urga had been so treated; but this letter arrived after + Wang had bought camels to replace the stolen horses and was on his way to + the border. Later Lt.-Colonel Michailoff sent a detachment of fifty men + under the command of Lieutenant Strigine to overhaul Wang and receive + their arms. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII + </h2> + <h3> + MYSTERY IN A SMALL TEMPLE + </h3> + <p> + Prince Chultun Beyli and I were ready to leave the Narabanchi Kure. While + the Hutuktu was holding service for the Sait in the Temple of Blessing, I + wandered around through the narrow alleyways between the walls of the + houses of the various grades of Lama Gelongs, Getuls, Chaidje and + Rabdjampa; of schools where the learned doctors of theology or Maramba + taught together with the doctors of medicine or Ta Lama; of the residences + for students called Bandi; of stores, archives and libraries. When I + returned to the yurta of the Hutuktu, he was inside. He presented me with + a large hatyk and proposed a walk around the monastery. His face wore a + preoccupied expression from which I gathered that he had something he + wished to discuss with me. As we went out of the yurta, the liberated + President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and a Russian officer joined + us. The Hutuktu led us to a small building just back of a bright yellow + stone wall. + </p> + <p> + “In that building once stopped the Dalai Lama and Bogdo Khan and we always + paint the buildings yellow where these holy persons have lived. Enter!” + </p> + <p> + The interior of the building was arranged with splendor. On the ground + floor was the dining-room, furnished with richly carved, heavy blackwood + Chinese tables and cabinets filled with porcelains and bronze. Above were + two rooms, the first a bed-room hung with heavy yellow silk curtains; a + large Chinese lantern richly set with colored stones hung by a thin bronze + chain from the carved wooden ceiling beam. Here stood a large square bed + covered with silken pillows, mattresses and blankets. The frame work of + the bed was also of the Chinese blackwood and carried, especially on the + posts that held the roof-like canopy, finely executed carvings with the + chief motive the conventional dragon devouring the sun. By the side stood + a chest of drawers completely covered with carvings setting forth + religious pictures. Four comfortable easy chairs completed the furniture, + save for the low oriental throne which stood on a dais at the end of the + room. + </p> + <p> + “Do you see this throne?” said the Hutuktu to me. “One night in winter + several horsemen rode into the monastery and demanded that all the Gelongs + and Getuls with the Hutuktu and Kanpo at their head should congregate in + this room. Then one of the strangers mounted the throne, where he took off + his bashlyk or cap-like head covering. All of the Lamas fell to their + knees as they recognized the man who had been long ago described in the + sacred bulls of Dalai Lama, Tashi Lama and Bogdo Khan. He was the man to + whom the whole world belongs and who has penetrated into all the mysteries + of Nature. He pronounced a short Tibetan prayer, blessed all his hearers + and afterwards made predictions for the coming half century. This was + thirty years ago and in the interim all his prophecies are being + fulfilled. During his prayers before that small shrine in the next room + this door opened of its own accord, the candles and lights before the + altar lighted themselves and the sacred braziers without coals gave forth + great streams of incense that filled the room. And then, without warning, + the King of the World and his companions disappeared from among us. Behind + him remained no trace save the folds in the silken throne coverings which + smoothed themselves out and left the throne as though no one had sat upon + it.” + </p> + <p> + The Hutuktu entered the shrine, kneeled down, covering his eyes with his + hands, and began to pray. I looked at the calm, indifferent face of the + golden Buddha, over which the flickering lamps threw changing shadows, and + then turned my eyes to the side of the throne. It was wonderful and + difficult to believe but I really saw there the strong, muscular figure of + a man with a swarthy face of stern and fixed expression about the mouth + and jaws, thrown into high relief by the brightness of the eyes. Through + his transparent body draped in white raiment I saw the Tibetan + inscriptions on the back of the throne. I closed my eyes and opened them + again. No one was there but the silk throne covering seemed to be moving. + </p> + <p> + “Nervousness,” I thought. “Abnormal and over-emphasized impressionability + growing out of the unusual surroundings and strains.” + </p> + <p> + The Hutuktu turned to me and said: “Give me your hatyk. I have the feeling + that you are troubled about those whom you love, and I want to pray for + them. And you must pray also, importune God and direct the sight of your + soul to the King of the World who was here and sanctified this place.” + </p> + <p> + The Hutuktu placed the hatyk on the shoulder of the Buddha and, + prostrating himself on the carpet before the altar, whispered the words of + prayer. Then he raised his head and beckoned me to him with a slight + movement of his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Look at the dark space behind the statue of Buddha and he will show your + beloved to you.” + </p> + <p> + Readily obeying his deep-voiced command, I began to look into the dark + niche behind the figure of the Buddha. Soon out of the darkness began to + appear streams of smoke or transparent threads. They floated in the air, + becoming more and more dense and increasing in number, until gradually + they formed the bodies of several persons and the outlines of various + objects. I saw a room that was strange to me with my family there, + surrounded by some whom I knew and others whom I did not. I recognized + even the dress my wife wore. Every line of her dear face was clearly + visible. Gradually the vision became too dark, dissipated itself into the + streams of smoke and transparent threads and disappeared. Behind the + golden Buddha was nothing but the darkness. The Hutuktu arose, took my + hatyk from the shoulder of the Buddha and handed it to me with these + words: + </p> + <p> + “Fortune is always with you and with your family. God’s goodness will not + forsake you.” + </p> + <p> + We left the building of this unknown King of the World, where he had + prayed for all mankind and had predicted the fate of peoples and states. I + was greatly astonished to find that my companions had also seen my vision + and to hear them describe to me in minute detail the appearance and the + clothes of the persons whom I had seen in the dark niche behind the head + of Buddha.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * In order that I might have the evidence of others on this + extraordinarily impressive vision, I asked them to make + protocols or affidavits concerning what they saw. This they + did and I now have these statements in my possession. +</pre> + <p> + The Mongol officer also told me that Chultun Beyli had the day before + asked the Hutuktu to reveal to him his fate in this important juncture of + his life and in this crisis of his country but the Hutuktu only waved his + hand in an expression of fear and refused. When I asked the Hutuktu for + the reason of his refusal, suggesting to him that it might calm and help + Chultun Beyli as the vision of my beloved had strengthened me, the Hutuktu + knitted his brow and answered: + </p> + <p> + “No! The vision would not please the Prince. His fate is black. Yesterday + I thrice sought his fortune on the burned shoulder blades and with the + entrails of sheep and each time came to the same dire result, the same + dire result! . . .” + </p> + <p> + He did not really finish speaking but covered his face with his hands in + fear. He was convinced that the lot of Chultun Beyli was black as the + night. + </p> + <p> + In an hour we were behind the low hills that hid the Narabanchi Kure from + our sight. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + THE BREATH OF DEATH + </h3> + <p> + We arrived at Uliassutai on the day of the return of the detachment which + had gone out to disarm the convoy of Wang Tsao-tsun. This detachment had + met Colonel Domojiroff, who ordered them not only to disarm but to pillage + the convoy and, unfortunately, Lieutenant Strigine executed this illegal + and unwarranted command. It was compromising and ignominious to see + Russian officers and soldiers wearing the Chinese overcoats, boots and + wrist watches which had been taken from the Chinese officials and the + convoy. Everyone had Chinese silver and gold also from the loot. The + Mongol wife of Wang Tsao-tsun and her brother returned with the detachment + and entered a complaint of having been robbed by the Russians. The Chinese + officials and their convoy, deprived of their supplies, reached the + Chinese border only after great distress from hunger and cold. We + foreigners were astounded that Lt.-Colonel Michailoff received Strigine + with military honors but we caught the explanation of it later when we + learned that Michailoff had been given some of the Chinese silver and his + wife the handsomely decorated saddle of Fu Hsiang. Chultun Beyli demanded + that all the weapons taken from the Chinese and all the stolen property be + turned over to him, as it must later be returned to the Chinese + authorities; but Michailoff refused. Afterwards we foreigners cut off all + contact with the Russian detachment. The relations between the Russians + and Mongols became very strained. Several of the Russian officers + protested against the acts of Michailoff and Strigine and controversies + became more and more serious. + </p> + <p> + At this time, one morning in April, an extraordinary group of armed + horsemen arrived at Uliassutai. They stayed at the house of the Bolshevik + Bourdukoff, who gave them, so we were told, a great quantity of silver. + This group explained that they were former officers in the Imperial Guard. + They were Colonels Poletika, N. N. Philipoff and three of the latter’s + brothers. They announced that they wanted to collect all the White + officers and soldiers then in Mongolia and China and lead them to Urianhai + to fight the Bolsheviki; but that first they wanted to wipe out Ungern and + return Mongolia to China. They called themselves the representatives of + the Central Organization of the Whites in Russia. + </p> + <p> + The society of Russian officers in Uliassutai invited them to a meeting, + examined their documents and interrogated them. Investigation proved that + all the statements of these officers about their former connections were + entirely wrong, that Poletika occupied an important position in the war + commissariat of the Bolsheviki, that one of the Philipoff brothers was the + assistant of Kameneff in his first attempt to reach England, that the + Central White Organization in Russia did not exist, that the proposed + fighting in Urianhai was but a trap for the White officers and that this + group was in close relations with the Bolshevik Bourdukoff. + </p> + <p> + A discussion at once sprang up among the officers as to what they should + do with this group, which split the detachment into two distinct parties. + Lt.-Colonel Michailoff with several officers joined themselves to + Poletika’s group just as Colonel Domojiroff arrived with his detachment. + He began to get in touch with both factions and to feel out the politics + of the situation, finally appointing Poletika to the post of Commandant of + Uliassutai and sending to Baron Ungern a full report of the events in the + town. In this document he devoted much space to me, accusing me of + standing in the way of the execution of his orders. His officers watched + me continuously. From different quarters I received warnings to take great + care. This band and its leader openly demanded to know what right this + foreigner had to interfere in the affairs of Mongolia, one of Domojiroff’s + officers directly giving me the challenge in a meeting in the attempt to + provoke a controversy. I quietly answered him: + </p> + <p> + “And on what basis do the Russian refugees interfere, they who have rights + neither at home nor abroad?” + </p> + <p> + The officer made no verbal reply but in his eyes burned a definite answer. + My huge friend who sat beside me noticed this, strode over toward him and, + towering over him, stretched his arms and hands as though just waking from + sleep and remarked: “I’m looking for a little boxing exercise.” + </p> + <p> + On one occasion Domojiroff’s men would have succeeded in taking me if I + had not been saved by the watchfulness of our foreign group. I had gone to + the fortress to negotiate with the Mongol Sait for the departure of the + foreigners from Uliassutai. Chultun Beyli detained me for a long time, so + that I was forced to return about nine in the evening. My horse was + walking. Half a mile from the town three men sprang up out of the ditch + and ran at me. I whipped up my horse but noticed several more men coming + out of the other ditch as though to head me off. They, however, made for + the other group and captured them and I heard the voice of a foreigner + calling me back. There I found three of Domojiroff’s officers surrounded + by the Polish soldiers and other foreigners under the leadership of my old + trusted agronome, who was occupied with tying the hands of the officers + behind their backs so strongly that the bones cracked. Ending his work and + still smoking his perpetual pipe, he announced in a serious and important + manner: “I think it best to throw them into the river.” + </p> + <p> + Laughing at his seriousness and the fear of Domojiroff’s officers, I asked + them why they had started to attack me. They dropped their eyes and were + silent. It was an eloquent silence and we perfectly understood what they + had proposed to do. They had revolvers hidden in their pockets. + </p> + <p> + “Fine!” I said. “All is perfectly clear. I shall release you but you must + report to your sender that he will not welcome you back the next time. + Your weapons I shall hand to the Commandant of Uliassutai.” + </p> + <p> + My friend, using his former terrifying care, began to untie them, + repeating over and over: “And I would have fed you to the fishes in the + river!” Then we all returned to the town, leaving them to go their way. + </p> + <p> + Domojiroff continued to send envoys to Baron Ungern at Urga with requests + for plenary powers and money and with reports about Michailoff, Chultun + Beyli, Poletika, Philipoff and myself. With Asiatic cunning he was then + maintaining good relations with all those for whom he was preparing death + at the hands of the severe warrior, Baron Ungern, who was receiving only + one-sided reports about all the happenings in Uliassutai. Our whole colony + was greatly agitated. The officers split into different parties; the + soldiers collected in groups and discussed the events of the day, + criticising their chiefs, and under the influence of some of Domojiroff’s + men began making such statements as: + </p> + <p> + “We have now seven Colonels, who all want to be in command and are all + quarreling among themselves. They all ought to be pegged down and given + good sound thrashings. The one who could take the greatest number of blows + ought to be chosen as our chief.” + </p> + <p> + It was an ominous joke that proved the demoralization of the Russian + detachment. + </p> + <p> + “It seems,” my friend frequently observed, “that we shall soon have the + pleasure of seeing a Council of Soldiers here in Uliassutai. God and the + Devil! One thing here is very unfortunate—there are no forests near + into which good Christian men may dive and get away from all these cursed + Soviets. It’s bare, frightfully bare, this wretched Mongolia, with no + place for us to hide.” + </p> + <p> + Really this possibility of the Soviet was approaching. On one occasion the + soldiers captured the arsenal containing the weapons surrendered by the + Chinese and carried them off to their barracks. Drunkenness, gambling and + fighting increased. We foreigners, carefully watching events and in fear + of a catastrophe, finally decided to leave Uliassutai, that caldron of + passions, controversies and denunciations. We heard that the group of + Poletika was also preparing to get out a few days later. We foreigners + separated into two parties, one traveling by the old caravan route across + the Gobi considerably to the south of Urga to Kuku-Hoto or Kweihuacheng + and Kalgan, and mine, consisting of my friend, two Polish soldiers and + myself, heading for Urga via Zain Shabi, where Colonel Kazagrandi had + asked me in a recent letter to meet him. Thus we left the Uliassutai where + we had lived through so many exciting events. + </p> + <p> + On the sixth day after our departure there arrived in the town the + Mongol-Buriat detachment under the command of the Buriat Vandaloff and the + Russian Captain Bezrodnoff. Afterwards I met them in Zain Shabi. It was a + detachment sent out from Urga by Baron Ungern to restore order in + Uliassutai and to march on to Kobdo. On the way from Zain Shabi Bezrodnoff + came across the group of Poletika and Michailoff. He instituted a search + which disclosed suspicious documents in their baggage and in that of + Michailoff and his wife the silver and other possessions taken from the + Chinese. From this group of sixteen he sent N. N. Philipoff to Baron + Ungern, released three others and shot the remaining twelve. Thus ended in + Zain Shabi the life of one party of Uliassutai refugees and the activities + of the group of Poletika. In Uliassutai Bezrodnoff shot Chultun Beyli for + the violation of the treaty with the Chinese, and also some Bolshevist + Russian colonists; arrested Domojiroff and sent him to Urga; and . . . + restored order. The predictions about Chultun Beyli were fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + I knew of Domojiroff’s reports regarding myself but I decided, + nevertheless, to proceed to Urga and not to swing round it, as Poletika + had started to do when he was accidentally captured by Bezrodnoff. I was + accustomed now to looking into the eyes of danger and I set out to meet + the terrible “bloody Baron.” No one can decide his own fate. I did not + think myself in the wrong and the feeling of fear had long since ceased to + occupy a place in my menage. On the way a Mongol rider who overhauled us + brought the news of the death of our acquaintances at Zain Shabi. He spent + the night with me in the yurta at the ourton and related to me the + following legend of death. + </p> + <p> + “It was a long time ago when the Mongolians ruled over China. The Prince + of Uliassutai, Beltis Van, was mad. He executed any one he wished without + trial and no one dared to pass through his town. All the other Princes and + rich Mongols surrounded Uliassutai, where Beltis raged, cut off + communication on every road and allowed none to pass in or out. Famine + developed in the town. They consumed all the oxen, sheep and horses and + finally Beltis Van determined to make a dash with his soldiers through to + the west to the land of one of his tribes, the Olets. He and his men all + perished in the fight. The Princes, following the advice of the Hutuktu + Buyantu, buried the dead on the slopes of the mountains surrounding + Uliassutai. They buried them with incantations and exorcisings in order + that Death by Violence might be kept from a further visitation to their + land. The tombs were covered with heavy stones and the Hutuktu predicted + that the bad demon of Death by Violence would only leave the earth when + the blood of a man should be spilled upon the covering stone. Such a + legend lived among us. Now it is fulfilled. The Russians shot there three + Bolsheviki and the Chinese two Mongols. The evil spirit of Beltis Van + broke loose from beneath the heavy stone and now mows down the people with + his scythe. The noble Chultun Beyli has perished; the Russian Noyon + Michailoff also has fallen; and death has flowed out from Uliassutai all + over our boundless plains. Who shall be able to stem it now? Who shall tie + the ferocious hands? An evil time has fallen upon the Gods and the Good + Spirits. The Evil Demons have made war upon the Good Spirits. What can man + now do? Only perish, only perish. . . .” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART3" id="link2H_PART3"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Part III + </h2> + <h3> + THE STRAINING HEART OF ASIA + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX + </h2> + <h3> + ON THE ROAD OF GREAT CONQUERORS + </h3> + <p> + The great conqueror, Jenghiz Khan, the son of sad, stern, severe Mongolia, + according to an old Mongolian legend “mounted to the top of Karasu Togol + and with his eyes of an eagle looked to the west and the east. In the west + he saw whole seas of human blood over which floated a bloody fog that + blanketed all the horizon. There he could not discern his fate. But the + gods ordered him to proceed to the west, leading with him all his warriors + and Mongolian tribes. To the east he saw wealthy towns, shining temples, + crowds of happy people, gardens and fields of rich earth, all of which + pleased the great Mongol. He said to his sons: ‘There in the west I shall + be fire and sword, destroyer, avenging Fate; in the east I shall come as + the merciful, great builder, bringing happiness to the people and to the + land.’” + </p> + <p> + Thus runs the legend. I found much of truth in it. I had passed over much + of his road to the west and always identified it by the old tombs and the + impertinent monuments of stone to the merciless conqueror. I saw also a + part of the eastern road of the hero, over which he traveled to China. + Once when we were making a trip out of Uliassutai we stopped the night in + Djirgalantu. The old host of the ourton, knowing me from my previous trip + to Narabanchi, welcomed us very kindly and regaled us with stories during + our evening meal. Among other things he led us out of the yurta and + pointed out a mountain peak brightly lighted by the full moon and + recounted to us the story of one of the sons of Jenghiz, afterwards + Emperor of China, Indo-China and Mongolia, who had been attracted by the + beautiful scenery and grazing lands of Djirgalantu and had founded here a + town. This was soon left without inhabitants, for the Mongol is a nomad + who cannot live in artificial cities. The plain is his house and the world + his town. For a time this town witnessed battles between the Chinese and + the troops of Jenghiz Khan but afterwards it was forgotten. At present + there remains only a half-ruined tower, from which in the early days the + heavy rocks were hurled down upon the heads of the enemy, and the + dilapidated gate of Kublai, the grandson of Jenghiz Khan. Against the + greenish sky drenched with the rays of the moon stood out the jagged line + of the mountains and the black silhouette of the tower with its loopholes, + through which the alternate scudding clouds and light flashed. + </p> + <p> + When our party left Uliassutai, we traveled on leisurely, making + thirty-five to fifty miles a day until we were within sixty miles of Zain + Shabi, where I took leave of the others to go south to this place in order + to keep my engagement with Colonel Kazagrandi. The sun had just risen as + my single Mongol guide and I without any pack animals began to ascend the + low, timbered ridges, from the top of which I caught the last glimpses of + my companions disappearing down the valley. I had no idea then of the many + and almost fatal dangers which I should have to pass through during this + trip by myself, which was destined to prove much longer than I had + anticipated. As we were crossing a small river with sandy shores, my + Mongol guide told me how the Mongolians came there during the summer to + wash gold, in spite of the prohibitions of the Lamas. The manner of + working the placer was very primitive but the results testified clearly to + the richness of these sands. The Mongol lies flat on the ground, brushes + the sand aside with a feather and keeps blowing into the little excavation + so formed. From time to time he wets his finger and picks up on it a small + bit of grain gold or a diminutive nugget and drops these into a little bag + hanging under his chin. In such manner this primitive dredge wins about a + quarter of an ounce or five dollars’ worth of the yellow metal per day. + </p> + <p> + I determined to make the whole distance to Zain Shabi in a single day. At + the ourtons I hurried them through the catching and saddling of the horses + as fast as I could. At one of these stations about twenty-five miles from + the monastery the Mongols gave me a wild horse, a big, strong white + stallion. Just as I was about to mount him and had already touched my foot + to the stirrup, he jumped and kicked me right on the leg which had been + wounded in the Ma-chu fight. The leg soon began to swell and ache. At + sunset I made out the first Russian and Chinese buildings and later the + monastery at Zain. We dropped into the valley of a small stream which + flowed along a mountain on whose peak were set white rocks forming the + words of a Tibetan prayer. At the bottom of this mountain was a cemetery + for the Lamas, that is, piles of bones and a pack of dogs. At last the + monastery lay right below us, a common square surrounded with wooden + fences. In the middle rose a large temple quite different from all those + of western Mongolia, not in the Chinese but in the Tibetan style of + architecture, a white building with perpendicular walls and regular rows + of windows in black frames, with a roof of black tiles and with a most + unusual damp course laid between the stone walls and the roof timbers and + made of bundles of twigs from a Tibetan tree which never rots. Another + small quadrangle lay a little to the east and contained Russian buildings + connected with the monastery by telephone. + </p> + <p> + “That is the house of the Living God of Zain,” the Mongol explained, + pointing to this smaller quadrangle. “He likes Russian customs and + manners.” + </p> + <p> + To the north on a conical-shaped hill rose a tower that recalled the + Babylonian zikkurat. It was the temple where the ancient books and + manuscripts were kept and the broken ornaments and objects used in the + religious ceremonies together with the robes of deceased Hutuktus + preserved. A sheer cliff rose behind this museum, which it was impossible + for one to climb. On the face of this were carved images of the Lamaite + gods, scattered about without any special order. They were from one to two + and a half metres high. At night the monks lighted lamps before them, so + that one could see these images of the gods and goddesses from far away. + </p> + <p> + We entered the trading settlement. The streets were deserted and from the + windows only women and children looked out. I stopped with a Russian firm + whose other branches I had known throughout the country. Much to my + astonishment they welcomed me as an acquaintance. It appeared that the + Hutuktu of Narabanchi had sent word to all the monasteries that, whenever + I should come, they must all render me aid, inasmuch as I had saved the + Narabanchi Monastery and, by the clear signs of the divinations, I was an + incarnate Buddha beloved of the Gods. This letter of this kindly disposed + Hutuktu helped me very much—perhaps I should even say more, that it + saved me from death. The hospitality of my hosts proved of great and much + needed assistance to me because my injured leg had swelled and was aching + severely. When I took off my boot, I found my foot all covered with blood + and my old wound re-opened by the blow. A felcher was called to assist me + with treatment and bandaging, so that I was able to walk again three days + later. + </p> + <p> + I did not find Colonel Kazagrandi at Zain Shabi. After destroying the + Chinese gamins who had killed the local Commandant, he had returned via + Van Kure. The new Commandment handed me the letter of Kazagrandi, who very + cordially asked me to visit him after I had rested in Zain. A Mongolian + document was enclosed in the letter giving me the right to receive horses + and carts from herd to herd by means of the “urga,” which I shall later + describe and which opened for me an entirely new vista of Mongolian life + and country that I should otherwise never have seen. The making of this + journey of over two hundred miles was a very disagreeable task for me; but + evidently Kazagrandi, whom I had never met, had serious reasons for + wishing this meeting. + </p> + <p> + At one o’clock the day after my arrival I was visited by the local “Very + God,” Gheghen Pandita Hutuktu. A more strange and extraordinary appearance + of a god I could not imagine. He was a short, thin young man of twenty or + twenty-two years with quick, nervous movements and with an expressive face + lighted and dominated, like the countenances of all the Mongol gods, by + large, frightened eyes. He was dressed in a blue silk Russian uniform with + yellow epaulets with the sacred sign of Pandita Hutuktu, in blue silk + trousers and high boots, all surmounted by a white Astrakhan cap with a + yellow pointed top. At his girdle a revolver and sword were slung. I did + not know quite what to think of this disguised god. He took a cup of tea + from the host and began to talk with a mixture of Mongolian and Russian. + </p> + <p> + “Not far from my Kure is located the ancient monastery of Erdeni Dzu, + erected on the site of the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient capital of + Jenghiz Khan and afterwards frequently visited by Kublai Kahn for + sanctuary and rest after his labors as Emperor of China, India, Persia, + Afghanistan, Mongolia and half of Europe. Now only ruins and tombs remain + to mark this former ‘Garden of Beatific Days.’ The pious monks of Baroun + Kure found in the underground chambers of the ruins manuscripts that were + much older than Erdeni Dzu itself. In these my Maramba Meetchik-Atak found + the prediction that the Hutuktu of Zain who should carry the title of + ‘Pandita,’ should be but twenty-one years of age, be born in the heart of + the lands of Jenghiz Khan and have on his chest the natural sign of the + swastika—such Hutuktu would be honored by the people in the days of + a great war and trouble, would begin the fight with the servants of Red + evil and would conquer them and bring order into the universe, celebrating + this happy day in the city with white temples and with the songs of ten + thousand bells. It is I, Pandita Hutuktu! The signs and symbols have met + in me. I shall destroy the Bolsheviki, the bad ‘servants of the Red evil,’ + and in Moscow I shall rest from my glorious and great work. Therefore I + have asked Colonel Kazagrandi to enlist me in the troops of Baron Ungern + and give me the chance to fight. The Lamas seek to prevent me from going + but who is the god here?” + </p> + <p> + He very sternly stamped his foot, while the Lamas and guard who + accompanied him reverently bowed their heads. + </p> + <p> + As he left he presented me with a hatyk and, rummaging through my saddle + bags, I found a single article that might be considered worthy as a gift + for a Hutuktu, a small bottle of osmiridium, this rare, natural + concomitant of platinum. + </p> + <p> + “This is the most stable and hardest of metals,” I said. “Let it be the + sign of your glory and strength, Hutuktu!” + </p> + <p> + The Pandita thanked me and invited me to visit him. When I had recovered a + little, I went to his house, which was arranged in European style: + electric lights, push bells and telephone. He feasted me with wine and + sweets and introduced me to two very interesting personages, one an old + Tibetan surgeon with a face deeply pitted by smallpox, a heavy thick nose + and crossed eyes. He was a peculiar surgeon, consecrated in Tibet. His + duties consisted in treating and curing Hutuktus when they were ill and . + . . in poisoning them when they became too independent or extravagant or + when their policies were not in accord with the wishes of the Council of + Lamas of the Living Buddha or the Dalai Lama. By now Pandita Hutuktu + probably rests in eternal peace on the top of some sacred mountain, sent + thither by the solicitude of his extraordinary court physician. The + martial spirit of Pandita Hutuktu was very unwelcome to the Council of + Lamas, who protested against the adventuresomeness of this “Living God.” + </p> + <p> + Pandita liked wine and cards. One day when he was in the company of + Russians and dressed in a European suit, some Lamas came running to + announce that divine service had begun and that the “Living God” must take + his place on the altar to be prayed to but he had gone out from his abode + and was playing cards! Without any confusion Pandita drew his red mantle + of the Hutuktu over his European coat and long grey trousers and allowed + the shocked Lamas to carry their “God” away in his palanquin. + </p> + <p> + Besides the surgeon-poisoner I met at the Hutuktu’s a lad of thirteen + years, whose youthfulness, red robe and cropped hair led me to suppose he + was a Bandi or student servant in the home of the Hutuktu; but it turned + out otherwise. This boy was the first Hubilgan, also an incarnate Buddha, + an artful teller of fortunes and the successor of Pandita Hutuktu. He was + drunk all the time and a great card player, always making side-splitting + jokes that greatly offended the Lamas. + </p> + <p> + That same evening I made the acquaintance of the second Hubilgan who + called on me, the real administrator of Zain Shabi, which is an + independent dominion subject directly to the Living Buddha. This Hubilgan + was a serious and ascetic man of thirty-two, well educated and deeply + learned in Mongol lore. He knew Russian and read much in that language, + being interested chiefly in the life and stories of other peoples. He had + a high respect for the creative genius of the American people and said to + me: + </p> + <p> + “When you go to America, ask the Americans to come to us and lead us out + from the darkness that surrounds us. The Chinese and Russians will lead us + to destruction and only the Americans can save us.” + </p> + <p> + It is a deep satisfaction for me to carry out the request of this + influential Mongol, Hubilgan, and to urge his appeal to the American + people. Will you not save this honest, uncorrupted but dark, deceived and + oppressed people? They should not be allowed to perish, for within their + souls they carry a great store of strong moral forces. Make of them a + cultured people, believing in the verity of humankind; teach them to use + the wealth of their land; and the ancient people of Jenghiz Khan will ever + be your faithful friends. + </p> + <p> + When I had sufficiently recovered, the Hutuktu invited me to travel with + him to Erdeni Dzu, to which I willingly agreed. On the following morning a + light and comfortable carriage was brought for me. Our trip lasted five + days, during which we visited Erdeni Dzu, Karakorum, Hoto-Zaidam and + Hara-Balgasun. All these are the ruins of monasteries and cities erected + by Jenghiz Khan and his successors, Ugadai Khan and Kublai in the + thirteenth century. Now only the remnants of walls and towers remain, some + large tombs and whole books of legends and stories. + </p> + <p> + “Look at these tombs!” said the Hutuktu to me. “Here the son of Khan Uyuk + was buried. This young prince was bribed by the Chinese to kill his father + but was frustrated in his attempt by his own sister, who killed him in her + watchful care of her old father, the Emperor and Khan. There is the tomb + of Tsinilla, the beloved spouse of Khan Mangu. She left the capital of + China to go to Khara Bolgasun, where she fell in love with the brave + shepherd Damcharen, who overtook the wind on his steed and who captured + wild yaks and horses with his bare hands. The enraged Khan ordered his + unfaithful wife strangled but afterwards buried her with imperial honors + and frequently came to her tomb to weep for his lost love.” + </p> + <p> + “And what happened to Damcharen?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + The Hutuktu himself did not know; but his old servant, the real archive of + legends, answered: + </p> + <p> + “With the aid of ferocious Chahar brigands he fought with China for a long + time. It is, however, unknown how he died.” + </p> + <p> + Among the ruins the monks pray at certain fixed times and they also search + for sacred books and objects concealed or buried in the debris. Recently + they found here two Chinese rifles and two gold rings and big bundles of + old manuscripts tied with leather thongs. + </p> + <p> + “Why did this region attract the powerful emperors and Khans who ruled + from the Pacific to the Adriatic?” I asked myself. Certainly not these + mountains and valleys covered with larch and birch, not these vast sands, + receding lakes and barren rocks. It seems that I found the answer. + </p> + <p> + The great emperors, remembering the vision of Jenghiz Khan, sought here + new revelations and predictions of his miraculous, majestic destiny, + surrounded by the divine honors, obeisance and hate. Where could they come + into touch with the gods, the good and bad spirits? Only there where they + abode. All the district of Zain with these ancient ruins is just such a + place. + </p> + <p> + “On this mountain only such men can ascend as are born of the direct line + of Jenghiz Khan,” the Pandita explained to me. “Half way up the ordinary + man suffocates and dies, if he ventures to go further. Recently Mongolian + hunters chased a pack of wolves up this mountain and, when they came to + this part of the mountainside, they all perished. There on the slopes of + the mountain lie the bones of eagles, big horned sheep and the kabarga + antelope, light and swift as the wind. There dwells the bad demon who + possesses the book of human destinies.” + </p> + <p> + “This is the answer,” I thought. + </p> + <p> + In the Western Caucasus I once saw a mountain between Soukhoum Kale and + Tuopsei where wolves, eagles and wild goats also perish, and where men + would likewise perish if they did not go on horseback through this zone. + There the earth breathes out carbonic acid gas through holes in the + mountainside, killing all animal life. The gas clings to the earth in a + layer about half a metre thick. Men on horseback pass above this and the + horses always hold their heads way up and snuff and whinny in fear until + they cross the dangerous zone. Here on the top of this mountain where the + bad demon peruses the book of human destinies is the same phenomenon, and + I realized the sacred fear of the Mongols as well as the stern attraction + of this place for the tall, almost gigantic descendants of Jenghiz Khan. + Their heads tower above the layers of poisonous gas, so that they can + reach the top of this mysterious and terrible mountain. Also it is + possible to explain this phenomenon geologically, because here in this + region is the southern edge of the coal deposits which are the source of + carbonic acid and swamp gases. + </p> + <p> + Not far from the ruins in the lands of Hun Doptchin Djamtso there is a + small lake which sometimes burns with a red flame, terrifying the Mongols + and herds of horses. Naturally this lake is rich with legends. Here a + meteor formerly fell and sank far into the earth. In the hole this lake + appeared. Now, it seems, the inhabitants of the subterranean passages, + semi-man and semi-demon, are laboring to extract this “stone of the sky” + from its deep bed and it is setting the water on fire as it rises and + falls back in spite of their every effort. I did not see the lake myself + but a Russian colonist told me that it may be petroleum on the lake that + is fired either from the campfires of the shepherds or by the blazing rays + of the sun. + </p> + <p> + At any rate all this makes it very easy to understand the attractions for + the great Mongol potentates. The strongest impression was produced upon me + by Karakorum, the place where the cruel and wise Jenghiz Khan lived and + laid his gigantic plans for overrunning all the west with blood and for + covering the east with a glory never before seen. Two Karakorums were + erected by Jenghiz Khan, one here near Tatsa Gol on the Caravan Road and + the other in Pamir, where the sad warriors buried the greatest of human + conquerors in the mausoleum built by five hundred captives who were + sacrificed to the spirit of the deceased when their work was done. + </p> + <p> + The warlike Pandita Hutuktu prayed on the ruins where the shades of these + potentates who had ruled half the world wandered, and his soul longed for + the chimerical exploits and for the glory of Jenghiz and Tamerlane. + </p> + <p> + On the return journey we were invited not far from Zain to visit a very + rich Mongol by the way. He had already prepared the yurtas suitable for + Princes, ornamented with rich carpets and silk draperies. The Hutuktu + accepted. We arranged ourselves on the soft pillows in the yurtas as the + Hutuktu blessed the Mongol, touching his head with his holy hand, and + received the hatyks. The host then had a whole sheep brought in to us, + boiled in a huge vessel. The Hutuktu carved off one hind leg and offered + it to me, while he reserved the other for himself. After this he gave a + large piece of meat to the smallest son of the host, which was the sign + that Pandita Hutuktu invited all to begin the feast. In a trice the sheep + was entirely carved or torn up and in the hands of the banqueters. When + the Hutuktu had thrown down by the brazier the white bones without a trace + of meat left on them, the host on his knees withdrew from the fire a piece + of sheepskin and ceremoniously offered it on both his hands to the + Hutuktu. Pandita began to clean off the wool and ashes with his knife and, + cutting it into thin strips, fell to eating this really tasty course. It + is the covering from just above the breast bone and is called in Mongolian + tarach or “arrow.” When a sheep is skinned, this small section is cut out + and placed on the hot coals, where it is broiled very slowly. Thus + prepared it is considered the most dainty bit of the whole animal and is + always presented to the guest of honor. It is not permissible to divide + it, such is the strength of the custom and ceremony. + </p> + <p> + After dinner our host proposed a hunt for bighorns, a large herd of which + was known to graze in the mountains within less than a mile from the + yurtas. Horses with rich saddles and bridles were led up. All the + elaborate harness of the Hutuktu’s mount was ornamented with red and + yellow bits of cloth as a mark of his rank. About fifty Mongol riders + galloped behind us. When we left our horses, we were placed behind the + rocks roughly three hundred paces apart and the Mongols began the + encircling movement around the mountain. After about half an hour I + noticed way up among the rocks something flash and soon made out a fine + bighorn jumping with tremendous springs from rock to rock, and behind him + a herd of some twenty odd head leaping like lightning over the ground. I + was vexed beyond words when it appeared that the Mongols had made a mess + of it and pushed the herd out to the side before having completed their + circle. But happily I was mistaken. Behind a rock right ahead of the herd + a Mongol sprang up and waved his hands. Only the big leader was not + frightened and kept right on past the unarmed Mongol while all the rest of + the herd swung suddenly round and rushed right down upon me. I opened fire + and dropped two of them. The Hutuktu also brought down one as well as a + musk antelope that came unexpectedly from behind a rock hard by. The + largest pair of horns weighed about thirty pounds, but they were from a + young sheep. + </p> + <p> + The day following our return to Zain Shabi, as I was feeling quite + recovered, I decided to go on to Van Kure. At my leave-taking from the + Hutuktu I received a large hatyk from him together with warmest + expressions of thanks for the present I had given him on the first day of + our acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “It is a fine medicine!” he exclaimed. “After our trip I felt quite + exhausted but I took your medicine and am now quite rejuvenated. Many, + many thanks!” + </p> + <p> + The poor chap had swallowed my osmiridium. To be sure it could not harm + him; but to have helped him was wonderful. Perhaps doctors in the Occident + may wish to try this new, harmless and very cheap remedy—only eight + pounds of it in the whole world—and I merely ask that they leave me + the patent rights for it for Mongolia, Barga, Sinkiang, Koko Nor and all + the other lands of Central Asia. + </p> + <p> + An old Russian colonist went as guide for me. They gave me a big but light + and comfortable cart hitched and drawn in a marvelous way. A straight pole + four metres long was fastened athwart the front of the shafts. On either + side two riders took this pole across their saddle pommels and galloped + away with me across the plains. Behind us galloped four other riders with + four extra horses. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX + </h2> + <h3> + ARRESTED! + </h3> + <p> + About twelve miles from Zain we saw from a ridge a snakelike line of + riders crossing the valley, which detachment we met half an hour later on + the shore of a deep, swampy stream. The group consisted of Mongols, + Buriats and Tibetans armed with Russian rifles. At the head of the column + were two men, one of whom in a huge black Astrakhan and black felt cape + with red Caucasian cowl on his shoulders blocked my road and, in a coarse, + harsh voice, demanded of me: “Who are you, where are you from and where + are you going?” + </p> + <p> + I gave also a laconic answer. They then said that they were a detachment + of troops from Baron Ungern under the command of Captain Vandaloff. “I am + Captain Bezrodnoff, military judge.” + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he laughed loudly. His insolent, stupid face did not please me + and, bowing to the officers, I ordered my riders to move. + </p> + <p> + “Oh no!” he remonstrated, as he blocked the road again. “I cannot allow + you to go farther. I want to have a long and serious conversation with you + and you will have to come back to Zain for it.” + </p> + <p> + I protested and called attention to the letter of Colonel Kazagrandi, only + to hear Bezrodnoff answer with coldness: + </p> + <p> + “This letter is a matter of Colonel Kazagrandi’s and to bring you back to + Zain and talk with you is my affair. Now give me your weapon.” + </p> + <p> + But I could not yield to this demand, even though death were threatened. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” I said. “Tell me frankly. Is yours really a detachment fighting + against the Boisheviki or is it a Red contingent?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I assure you!” replied the Buriat officer Vandaloff, approaching me. + “We have already been fighting the Bolsheviki for three years.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I cannot hand you my weapon,” I calmly replied. “I brought it from + Soviet Siberia, have had many fights with this faithful weapon and now I + am to be disarmed by White officers! It is an offence that I cannot + allow.” + </p> + <p> + With these words I threw my rifle and my Mauser into the stream. The + officers were confused. Bezrodnoff turned red with anger. + </p> + <p> + “I freed you and myself from humiliation,” I explained. + </p> + <p> + Bezrodnoff in silence turned his horse, the whole detachment of three + hundred men passed immediately before me and only the last two riders + stopped, ordered my Mongols to turn my cart round and then fell in behind + my little group. So I was arrested! One of the horsemen behind me was a + Russian and he told me that Bezrodnoff carried with him many death + decrees. I was sure that mine was among them. + </p> + <p> + Stupid, very stupid! What was the use of fighting one’s way through Red + detachments, of being frozen and hungry, of almost perishing in Tibet only + to die from a bullet of one of Bezrodnoff’s Mongols? For such a pleasure + it was not worth while to travel so long and so far! In every Siberian + “Cheka” I could have had this end so joyfully accorded me. + </p> + <p> + When we arrived at Zain Shabi, my luggage was examined and Bezrodnoff + began to question me in minutest detail about the events in Uliassutai. We + talked about three hours, during which I tried to defend all the officers + of Uliassutai, maintaining that one must not trust only the reports of + Domojiroff. When our conversation was finished, the Captain stood up and + offered his apologies for detaining me in my journey. Afterwards he + presented me a fine Mauser with silver mountings on the handle and said: + </p> + <p> + “Your pride greatly pleased me. I beg you to receive this weapon as a + memento of me.” + </p> + <p> + The following morning I set out anew from Zain Shabi, having in my pocket + the laissez-passer of Bezrodnoff for his outposts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI + </h2> + <h3> + TRAVELING BY “URGA” + </h3> + <p> + Once more we traveled along the now known places, the mountain from which + I espied the detachment of Bezrodnoff, the stream into which I had thrown + my weapon, and soon all this lay behind us. At the first ourton we were + disappointed because we did not find horses there. In the yurtas were only + the host with two of his sons. I showed him my document and he exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Noyon has the right of ‘urga.’ Horses will be brought very soon.” + </p> + <p> + He jumped into his saddle, took two of my Mongols with him, providing them + and himself with long thin poles, four or five metres in length, and + fitted at the end with a loop of rope, and galloped away. My cart moved + behind them. We left the road, crossed the plain for an hour and came upon + a big herd of horses grazing there. The Mongol began to catch a quota of + them for us with his pole and noose or urga, when out of the mountains + nearby came galloping the owners of the herds. When the old Mongol showed + my papers to them, they submissively acquiesced and substituted four of + their men for those who had come with me thus far. In this manner the + Mongols travel, not along the ourton or station road but directly from one + herd to another, where the fresh horses are caught and saddled and the new + owners substituted for those of the last herd. All the Mongols so effected + by the right of urga try to finish their task as rapidly as possible and + gallop like mad for the nearest herd in your general direction of travel + to turn over their task to their neighbor. Any traveler having this right + of urga can catch horses himself and, if there are no owners, can force + the former ones to carry on and leave the animals in the next herd he + requisitions. But this happens very rarely because the Mongol never likes + to seek out his animals in another’s herd, as it always gives so many + chances for controversy. + </p> + <p> + It was from this custom, according to one explanation, that the town of + Urga took its name among outsiders. By the Mongols themselves it is always + referred to as Ta Kure, “The Great Monastery.” The reason the Buriats and + Russians, who were the first to trade into this region, called it Urga was + because it was the principal destination of all the trading expeditions + which crossed the plains by this old method or right of travel. A second + explanation is that the town lies in a “loop” whose sides are formed by + three mountain ridges, along one of which the River Tola runs like the + pole or stick of the familiar urga of the plains. + </p> + <p> + Thanks to this unique ticket of urga I crossed quite untraveled sections + of Mongolia for about two hundred miles. It gave me the welcome + opportunity to observe the fauna of this part of the country. I saw many + huge herds of Mongolian antelopes running from five to six thousand, many + groups of bighorns, wapiti and kabarga antelopes. Sometimes small herds of + wild horses and wild asses flashed as a vision on the horizon. + </p> + <p> + In one place I observed a big colony of marmots. All over an area of + several square miles their mounds were scattered with the holes leading + down to their runways below, the dwellings of the marmot. In and out among + these mounds the greyish-yellow or brown animals ran in all sizes up to + half that of an average dog. They ran heavily and the skin on their fat + bodies moved as though it were too big for them. The marmots are splendid + prospectors, always digging deep ditches, throwing out on the surface all + the stones. In many places I saw mounds the marmots had made from copper + ore and farther north some from minerals containing wolfram and vanadium. + Whenever the marmot is at the entrance of his hole, he sits up straight on + his hind legs and looks like a bit of wood, a small stump or a stone. As + soon as he spies a rider in the distance, he watches him with great + curiosity and begins whistling sharply. This curiosity of the marmots is + taken advantage of by the hunters, who sneak up to their holes flourishing + streamers of cloth on the tips of long poles. The whole attention of the + small animals is concentrated on this small flag and only the bullet that + takes his life explains to him the reason for this previously unknown + object. + </p> + <p> + I saw a very exciting picture as I passed through a marmot colony near the + Orkhon River. There were thousands of holes here so that my Mongols had to + use all their skill to keep the horses from breaking their legs in them. I + noticed an eagle circling high overhead. All of a sudden he dropped like a + stone to the top of a mound, where he sat motionless as a rock. The marmot + in a few minutes ran out of his hole to a neighbor’s doorway. The eagle + calmly jumped down from the top and with one wing closed the entrance to + the hole. The rodent heard the noise, turned back and rushed to the + attack, trying to break through to his hole where he had evidently left + his family. The struggle began. The eagle fought with one free wing, one + leg and his beak but did not withdraw the bar to the entrance. The marmot + jumped at the rapacious bird with great boldness but soon fell from a blow + on the head. Only then the eagle withdrew his wing, approached the marmot, + finished him off and with difficulty lifted him in his talons to carry him + away to the mountains for a tasty luncheon. + </p> + <p> + In the more barren places with only occasional spears of grass in the + plain another species of rodent lives, called imouran, about the size of a + squirrel. They have a coat the same color as the prairie and, running + about it like snakes, they collect the seeds that are blown across by the + wind and carry them down into their diminutive homes. The imouran has a + truly faithful friend, the yellow lark of the prairie with a brown back + and head. When he sees the imouran running across the plain, he settles on + his back, flaps his wings in balance and rides well this swiftly galloping + mount, who gaily flourishes his long shaggy tail. The lark during his ride + skilfully and quickly catches the parasites living on the body of his + friend, giving evidence of his enjoyment of his work with a short + agreeable song. The Mongols call the imouran “the steed of the gay lark.” + The lark warns the imouran of the approach of eagles and hawks with three + sharp whistles the moment he sees the aerial brigand and takes refuge + himself behind a stone or in a small ditch. After this signal no imouran + will stick his head out of his hole until the danger is past. Thus the gay + lark and his steed live in kindly neighborliness. + </p> + <p> + In other parts of Mongolia where there was very rich grass I saw another + type of rodent, which I had previously come across in Urianhai. It is a + gigantic black prairie rat with a short tail and lives in colonies of from + one to two hundred. He is interesting and unique as the most skilful + farmer among the animals in his preparation of his winter supply of + fodder. During the weeks when the grass is most succulent he actually mows + it down with swift jerky swings of his head, cutting about twenty or + thirty stalks with his sharp long front teeth. Then he allows his grass to + cure and later puts up his prepared hay in a most scientific manner. First + he makes a mound about a foot high. Through this he pushes down into the + ground four slanting stakes, converging toward the middle of the pile, and + binds them close over the surface of the hay with the longest strands of + grass, leaving the ends protruding enough for him to add another foot to + the height of the pile, when he again binds the surface with more long + strands—all this to keep his winter supply of food from blowing away + over the prairie. This stock he always locates right at the door of his + den to avoid long winter hauls. The horses and camels are very fond of + this small farmer’s hay, because it is always made from the most + nutritious grass. The haycocks are so strongly made that one can hardly + kick them to pieces. + </p> + <p> + Almost everywhere in Mongolia I met either single pairs or whole flocks of + the greyish-yellow prairie partridges, salga or “partridge swallow,” so + called because they have long sharp tails resembling those of swallows and + because their flight also is a close copy of that of the swallow. These + birds are very tame or fearless, allowing men to come within ten or + fifteen paces of them; but, when they do break, they go high and fly long + distances without lighting, whistling all the time quite like swallows. + Their general markings are light grey and yellow, though the males have + pretty chocolate spots on the backs and wings, while their legs and feet + are heavily feathered. + </p> + <p> + My opportunity to make these observations came from traveling through + unfrequented regions by the urga, which, however, had its counterbalancing + disadvantages. The Mongols carried me directly and swiftly toward my + destination, receiving with great satisfaction the presents of Chinese + dollars which I gave them. But after having made about five thousand miles + on my Cossack saddle that now lay behind me on the cart all covered with + dust like common merchandise, I rebelled against being wracked and torn by + the rough riding of the cart as it was swung heedlessly over stones, + hillocks and ditches by the wild horses with their equally wild riders, + bounding and cracking and holding together only through its tenacity of + purpose in demonstrating the cosiness and attractiveness of a good Mongol + equipage! All my bones began to ache. Finally I groaned at every lunge and + at last I suffered a very sharp attack of ischias or sciatica in my + wounded leg. At night I could neither sleep, lie down nor sit with comfort + and spent the whole night pacing up and down the plain, listening to the + loud snoring of the inhabitants of the yurta. At times I had to fight the + two huge black dogs which attacked me. The following day I could endure + the wracking only until noon and was then forced to give up and lie down. + The pain was unbearable. I could not move my leg nor my back and finally + fell into a high fever. We were forced to stop and rest. I swallowed all + my stock of aspirin and quinine but without relief. Before me was a + sleepless night about which I could not think without weakening fear. We + had stopped in the yurta for guests by the side of a small monastery. My + Mongols invited the Lama doctor to visit me, who gave me two very bitter + powders and assured me I should be able to continue in the morning. I soon + felt a stimulated palpitation of the heart, after which the pain became + even sharper. Again I spent the night without any sleep but when the sun + arose the pain ceased instantly and, after an hour, I ordered them to + saddle me a horse, as I was afraid to continue further in the cart. + </p> + <p> + While the Mongols were catching the horses, there came to my tent Colonel + N. N. Philipoff, who told me that he denied all the accusations that he + and his brother and Poletika were Bolsheviki and that Bezrodnoff allowed + him to go to Van Kure to meet Baron Ungern, who was expected there. Only + Philipoff did not know that his Mongol guide was armed with a bomb and + that another Mongol had been sent on ahead with a letter to Baron Ungern. + He did not know that Poletika and his brothers were shot at the same time + in Zain Shabi. Philipoff was in a hurry and wanted to reach Van Kure that + day. I left an hour after him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII + </h2> + <h3> + AN OLD FORTUNE TELLER + </h3> + <p> + From this point we began traveling along the ourton road. In this region + the Mongols had very poor and exhausted horses, because they were forced + continuously to supply mounts to the numerous envoys of Daichin Van and of + Colonel Kazagrandi. We were compelled to spend the night at the last + ourton before Van Kure, where a stout old Mongol and his son kept the + station. After our supper he took the shoulder-blade of the sheep, which + had been carefully scraped clean of all the flesh, and, looking at me, + placed this bone in the coals with some incantations and said: + </p> + <p> + “I want to tell your fortune. All my predictions come true.” + </p> + <p> + When the bone had been blackened he drew it out, blew off the ashes and + began to scrutinize the surface very closely and to look through it into + the fire. He continued his examination for a long time and then, with fear + in his face, placed the bone back in the coals. + </p> + <p> + “What did you see?” I asked, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Be silent!” he whispered. “I made out horrible signs.” + </p> + <p> + He again took out the bone and began examining it all over, all the time + whispering prayers and making strange movements. In a very solemn quiet + voice he began his predictions. + </p> + <p> + “Death in the form of a tall white man with red hair will stand behind you + and will watch you long and close. You will feel it and wait but Death + will withdraw. . . . Another white man will become your friend. . . . + Before the fourth day you will lose your acquaintances. They will die by a + long knife. I already see them being eaten by the dogs. Beware of the man + with a head like a saddle. He will strive for your death.” + </p> + <p> + For a long time after the fortune had been told we sat smoking and + drinking tea but still the old fellow looked at me only with fear. Through + my brain flashed the thought that thus must his companions in prison look + at one who is condemned to death. + </p> + <p> + The next morning we left the fortune teller before the sun was up, and, + when we had made about fifteen miles, hove in sight of Van Kure. I found + Colonel Kazagrandi at his headquarters. He was a man of good family, an + experienced engineer and a splendid officer, who had distinguished himself + in the war at the defence of the island of Moon in the Baltic and + afterwards in the fight with the Bolsheviki on the Volga. Colonel + Kazagrandi offered me a bath in a real tub, which had its habitat in the + house of the president of the local Chamber of Commerce. As I was in this + house, a tall young captain entered. He had long curly red hair and an + unusually white face, though heavy and stolid, with large, steel-cold eyes + and with beautiful, tender, almost girlish lips. But in his eyes there was + such cold cruelty that it was quite unpleasant to look at his otherwise + fine face. When he left the room, our host told me that he was Captain + Veseloffsky, the adjutant of General Rezukhin, who was fighting against + the Bolsheviki in the north of Mongolia. They had just that day arrived + for a conference with Baron Ungern. + </p> + <p> + After luncheon Colonel Kazagrandi invited me to his yurta and began + discussing events in western Mongolia, where the situation had become very + tense. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know Dr. Gay?” Kazagrandi asked me. “You know he helped me to form + my detachment but Urga accuses him of being the agent of the Soviets.” + </p> + <p> + I made all the defences I could for Gay. He had helped me and had been + exonerated by Kolchak. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, and I justified Gay in such a manner,” said the Colonel, “but + Rezukhin, who has just arrived today, has brought letters of Gay’s to the + Bolsheviki which were seized in transit. By order of Baron Ungern, Gay and + his family have today been sent to the headquarters of Rezukhin and I fear + that they will not reach this destination.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “They will be executed on the road!” answered Colonel Kazagrandi. + </p> + <p> + “What are we to do?” I responded. “Gay cannot be a Bolshevik, because he + is too well educated and too clever for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know; I don’t know!” murmured the Colonel with a despondent + gesture. “Try to speak with Rezukhin.” + </p> + <p> + I decided to proceed at once to Rezukhin but just then Colonel Philipoff + entered and began talking about the errors being made in the training of + the soldiers. When I had donned my coat, another man came in. He was a + small sized officer with an old green Cossack cap with a visor, a torn + grey Mongol overcoat and with his right hand in a black sling tied around + his neck. It was General Rezukhin, to whom I was at once introduced. + During the conversation the General very politely and very skilfully + inquired about the lives of Philipoff and myself during the last three + years, joking and laughing with discretion and modesty. When he soon took + his leave, I availed myself of the chance and went out with him. + </p> + <p> + He listened very attentively and politely to me and afterwards, in his + quiet voice, said: + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Gay is the agent of the Soviets, disguised as a White in order the + better to see, hear and know everything. We are surrounded by our enemies. + The Russian people are demoralized and will undertake any treachery for + money. Such is Gay. Anyway, what is the use of discussing him further? He + and his family are no longer alive. Today my men cut them to pieces five + kilometres from here.” + </p> + <p> + In consternation and fear I looked at the face of this small, dapper man + with such soft voice and courteous manners. In his eyes I read such hate + and tenacity that I understood at once the trembling respect of all the + officers whom I had seen in his presence. Afterwards in Urga I learned + more of this General Rezukhin distinguished by his absolute bravery and + boundless cruelty. He was the watchdog of Baron Ungern, ready to throw + himself into the fire and to spring at the throat of anyone his master + might indicate. + </p> + <p> + Only four days then had elapsed before “my acquaintances” died “by a long + knife,” so that one part of the prediction had been thus fulfilled. And + now I have to await Death’s threat to me. The delay was not long. Only two + days later the Chief of the Asiatic Division of Cavalry arrived—Baron + Ungern von Sternberg. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + “DEATH FROM THE WHITE MAN WILL STAND BEHIND YOU” + </h3> + <p> + “The terrible general, the Baron,” arrived quite unexpectedly, unnoticed + by the outposts of Colonel Kazagrandi. After a talk with Kazagrandi the + Baron invited Colonel N. N. Philipoff and me into his presence. Colonel + Kazagrandi brought the word to me. I wanted to go at once but was detained + about half an hour by the Colonel, who then sped me with the words: + </p> + <p> + “Now God help you! Go!” + </p> + <p> + It was a strange parting message, not reassuring and quite enigmatical. I + took my Mauser and also hid in the cuff of my coat my cyanide of + potassium. The Baron was quartered in the yurta of the military doctor. + When I entered the court, Captain Veseloffsky came up to me. He had a + Cossack sword and a revolver without its holster beneath his girdle. He + went into the yurta to report my arrival. + </p> + <p> + “Come in,” he said, as he emerged from the tent. + </p> + <p> + At the entrance my eyes were struck with the sight of a pool of blood that + had not yet had time to drain down into the ground—an ominous + greeting that seemed to carry the very voice of one just gone before me. I + knocked. + </p> + <p> + “Come in!” was the answer in a high tenor. As I passed the threshold, a + figure in a red silk Mongolian coat rushed at me with the spring of a + tiger, grabbed and shook my hand as though in flight across my path and + then fell prone on the bed at the side of the tent. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me who you are! Hereabouts are many spies and agitators,” he cried + out in an hysterical voice, as he fixed his eyes upon me. In one moment I + perceived his appearance and psychology. A small head on wide shoulders; + blonde hair in disorder; a reddish bristling moustache; a skinny, + exhausted face, like those on the old Byzantine ikons. Then everything + else faded from view save a big, protruding forehead overhanging steely + sharp eyes. These eyes were fixed upon me like those of an animal from a + cave. My observations lasted for but a flash but I understood that before + me was a very dangerous man ready for an instant spring into irrevocable + action. Though the danger was evident, I felt the deepest offence. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down,” he snapped out in a hissing voice, as he pointed to a chair + and impatiently pulled at his moustache. I felt my anger rising through my + whole body and I said to him without taking the chair: + </p> + <p> + “You have allowed yourself to offend me, Baron. My name is well enough + known so that you cannot thus indulge yourself in such epithets. You can + do with me as you wish, because force is on your side, but you cannot + compel me to speak with one who gives me offence.” + </p> + <p> + At these words of mine he swung his feet down off the bed and with evident + astonishment began to survey me, holding his breath and pulling still at + his moustache. Retaining my exterior calmness, I began to glance + indifferently around the yurta, and only then I noticed General Rezukhin. + I bowed to him and received his silent acknowledgment. After that I swung + my glance back to the Baron, who sat with bowed head and closed eyes, from + time to time rubbing his brow and mumbling to himself. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he stood up and sharply said, looking past and over me: + </p> + <p> + “Go out! There is no need of more. . . .” + </p> + <p> + I swung round and saw Captain Veseloffsky with his white, cold face. I had + not heard him enter. He did a formal “about face” and passed out of the + door. + </p> + <p> + “‘Death from the white man’ has stood behind me,” I thought; “but has it + quite left me?” + </p> + <p> + The Baron stood thinking for some time and then began to speak in jumbled, + unfinished phrases. + </p> + <p> + “I ask your pardon. . . . You must understand there are so many traitors! + Honest men have disappeared. I cannot trust anybody. All names are false + and assumed; documents are counterfeited. Eyes and words deceive. . . . + All is demoralized, insulted by Bolshevism. I just ordered Colonel + Philipoff cut down, he who called himself the representative of the + Russian White Organization. In the lining of his garments were found two + secret Bolshevik codes. . . . When my officer flourished his sword over + him, he exclaimed: ‘Why do you kill me, Tavarische?’ I cannot trust + anybody. . . .” + </p> + <p> + He was silent and I also held my peace. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon!” he began anew. “I offended you; but I am not simply a + man, I am a leader of great forces and have in my head so much care, + sorrow and woe!” + </p> + <p> + In his voice I felt there was mingled despair and sincerity. He frankly + put out his hand to me. Again silence. At last I answered: + </p> + <p> + “What do you order me to do now, for I have neither counterfeit nor real + documents? But many of your officers know me and in Urga I can find many + who will testify that I could be neither agitator nor. . .” + </p> + <p> + “No need, no need!” interrupted the Baron. “All is clear, all is + understood! I was in your soul and I know all. It is the truth which + Hutuktu Narabanchi has written about you. What can I do for you?” + </p> + <p> + I explained how my friend and I had escaped from Soviet Russia in the + effort to reach our native land and how a group of Polish soldiers had + joined us in the hope of getting back to Poland; and I asked that help be + given us to reach the nearest port. + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure, with pleasure. . . . I will help you all,” he answered + excitedly. “I shall drive you to Urga in my motor car. Tomorrow we shall + start and there in Urga we shall talk about further arrangements.” + </p> + <p> + Taking my leave, I went out of the yurta. On arriving at my quarters, I + found Colonel Kazagrandi in great anxiety walking up and down my room. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks be to God!” he exclaimed and crossed himself. + </p> + <p> + His joy was very touching but at the same time I thought that the Colonel + could have taken much more active measures for the salvation of his guest, + if he had been so minded. The agitation of this day had tired me and made + me feel years older. When I looked in the mirror I was certain there were + more white hairs on my head. At night I could not sleep for the flashing + thoughts of the young, fine face of Colonel Philipoff, the pool of blood, + the cold eyes of Captain Veseloffsky, the sound of Baron Ungern’s voice + with its tones of despair and woe, until finally I sank into a heavy + stupor. I was awakened by Baron Ungern who came to ask pardon that he + could not take me in his motor car, because he was obliged to take Daichin + Van with him. But he informed me that he had left instructions to give me + his own white camel and two Cossacks as servants. I had no time to thank + him before he rushed out of my room. + </p> + <p> + Sleep then entirely deserted me, so I dressed and began smoking pipe after + pipe of tobacco, as I thought: “How much easier to fight the Bolsheviki on + the swamps of Seybi and to cross the snowy peaks of Ulan Taiga, where the + bad demons kill all the travelers they can! There everything was simple + and comprehensible, but here it is all a mad nightmare, a dark and + foreboding storm!” I felt some tragedy, some horror in every movement of + Baron Ungern, behind whom paced this silent, white-faced Veseloffsky and + Death. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + THE HORROR OF WAR! + </h3> + <p> + At dawn of the following morning they led up the splendid white camel for + me and we moved away. My company consisted of the two Cossacks, two Mongol + soldiers and one Lama with two pack camels carrying the tent and food. I + still apprehended that the Baron had it in mind not to dispose of me + before my friends there in Van Kure but to prepare this journey for me + under the guise of which it would be so easy to do away with me by the + road. A bullet in the back and all would be finished. Consequently I was + momentarily ready to draw my revolver and defend myself. I took care all + the time to have the Cossacks either ahead of me or at the side. About + noon we heard the distant honk of a motor car and soon saw Baron Ungern + whizzing by us at full speed. With him were two adjutants and Prince + Daichin Van. The Baron greeted me very kindly and shouted: + </p> + <p> + “Shall see you again in Urga!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” I thought, “evidently I shall reach Urga. So I can be at ease during + my trip, and in Urga I have many friends beside the presence there of the + bold Polish soldiers whom I had worked with in Uliassutai and who had + outdistanced me in this journey.” + </p> + <p> + After the meeting with the Baron my Cossacks became very attentive to me + and sought to distract me with stories. They told me about their very + severe struggles with the Bolsheviki in Transbaikalia and Mongolia, about + the battle with the Chinese near Urga, about finding communistic passports + on several Chinese soldiers from Moscow, about the bravery of Baron Ungern + and how he would sit at the campfire smoking and drinking tea right on the + battle line without ever being touched by a bullet. At one fight + seventy-four bullets entered his overcoat, saddle and the boxes by his + side and again left him untouched. This is one of the reasons for his + great influence over the Mongols. They related how before the battle he + had made a reconnaissance in Urga with only one Cossack and on his way + back had killed a Chinese officer and two soldiers with his bamboo stick + or tashur; how he had no outfit save one change of linen and one extra + pair of boots; how he was always calm and jovial in battle and severe and + morose in the rare days of peace; and how he was everywhere his soldiers + were fighting. + </p> + <p> + I told them, in turn, of my escape from Siberia and with chatting thus the + day slipped by very quickly. Our camels trotted all the time, so that + instead of the ordinary eighteen to twenty miles per day we made nearly + fifty. My mount was the fastest of them all. He was a huge white animal + with a splendid thick mane and had been presented to Baron Ungern by some + Prince of Inner Mongolia with two black sables tied on the bridle. He was + a calm, strong, bold giant of the desert, on whose back I felt myself as + though perched on the tower of a building. Beyond the Orkhon River we came + across the first dead body of a Chinese soldier, which lay face up and + arms outstretched right in the middle of the road. When we had crossed the + Burgut Mountains, we entered the Tola River valley, farther up which Urga + is located. The road was strewn with the overcoats, shirts, boots, caps + and kettles which the Chinese had thrown away in their flight; and marked + by many of their dead. Further on the road crossed a morass, where on + either side lay great mounds of the dead bodies of men, horses and camels + with broken carts and military debris of every sort. Here the Tibetans of + Baron Ungern had cut up the escaping Chinese baggage transport; and it was + a strange and gloomy contrast to see the piles of dead besides the + effervescing awakening life of spring. In every pool wild ducks of + different kinds floated about; in the high grass the cranes performed + their weird dance of courtship; on the lakes great flocks of swans and + geese were swimming; through the swampy places like spots of light moved + the brilliantly colored pairs of the Mongolian sacred bird, the turpan or + “Lama goose”; on the higher dry places flocks of wild turkey gamboled and + fought as they fed; flocks of the salga partridge whistled by; while on + the mountain side not far away the wolves lay basking and turning in the + lazy warmth of the sun, whining and occasionally barking like playful + dogs. + </p> + <p> + Nature knows only life. Death is for her but an episode whose traces she + rubs out with sand and snow or ornaments with luxuriant greenery and + brightly colored bushes and flowers. What matters it to Nature if a mother + at Chefoo or on the banks of the Yangtse offers her bowl of rice with + burning incense at some shrine and prays for the return of her son that + has fallen unknown for all time on the plains along the Tola, where his + bones will dry beneath the rays of Nature’s dissipating fire and be + scattered by her winds over the sands of the prairie? It is splendid, this + indifference of Nature to death, and her greediness for life! + </p> + <p> + On the fourth day we made the shores of the Tola well after nightfall. We + could not find the regular ford and I forced my camel to enter the stream + in the attempt to make a crossing without guidance. Very fortunately I + found a shallow, though somewhat miry, place and we got over all right. + This is something to be thankful for in fording a river with a camel; + because, when your mount finds the water too deep, coming up around his + neck, he does not strike out and swim like a horse will do but just rolls + over on his side and floats, which is vastly inconvenient for his rider. + Down by the river we pegged our tent. + </p> + <p> + Fifteen miles further on we crossed a battlefield, where the third great + battle for the independence of Mongolia had been fought. Here the troops + of Baron Ungern clashed with six thousand Chinese moving down from Kiakhta + to the aid of Urga. The Chinese were completely defeated and four thousand + prisoners taken. However, these surrendered Chinese tried to escape during + the night. Baron Ungern sent the Transbaikal Cossacks and Tibetans in + pursuit of them and it was their work which we saw on this field of death. + There were still about fifteen hundred unburied and as many more interred, + according to the statements of our Cossacks, who had participated in this + battle. The killed showed terrible sword wounds; everywhere equipment and + other debris were scattered about. The Mongols with their herds moved away + from the neighborhood and their place was taken by the wolves which hid + behind every stone and in every ditch as we passed. Packs of dogs that had + become wild fought with the wolves over the prey. + </p> + <p> + At last we left this place of carnage to the cursed god of war. Soon we + approached a shallow, rapid stream, where the Mongols slipped from their + camels, took off their caps and began drinking. It was a sacred stream + which passed beside the abode of the Living Buddha. From this winding + valley we suddenly turned into another where a great mountain ridge + covered with dark, dense forest loomed up before us. + </p> + <p> + “Holy Bogdo-Ol!” exclaimed the Lama. “The abode of the Gods which guard + our Living Buddha!” + </p> + <p> + Bogdo-Ol is the huge knot which ties together here three mountain chains: + Gegyl from the southwest, Gangyn from the south, and Huntu from the north. + This mountain covered with virgin forest is the property of the Living + Buddha. The forests are full of nearly all the varieties of animals found + in Mongolia, but hunting is not allowed. Any Mongol violating this law is + condemned to death, while foreigners are deported. Crossing the Bogdo-Ol + is forbidden under penalty of death. This command was transgressed by only + one man, Baron Ungern, who crossed the mountain with fifty Cossacks, + penetrated to the palace of the Living Buddha, where the Pontiff of Urga + was being held under arrest by the Chinese, and stole him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV + </h2> + <h3> + IN THE CITY OF LIVING GODS, OF 30,000 BUDDHAS AND 60,000 MONKS + </h3> + <p> + At last before our eyes the abode of the Living Buddha! At the foot of + Bogdo-Ol behind white walls rose a white Tibetan building covered with + greenish-blue tiles that glittered under the sunshine. It was richly set + among groves of trees dotted here and there with the fantastic roofs of + shrines and small palaces, while further from the mountain it was + connected by a long wooden bridge across the Tola with the city of monks, + sacred and revered throughout all the East as Ta Kure or Urga. Here + besides the Living Buddha live whole throngs of secondary miracle workers, + prophets, sorcerers and wonderful doctors. All these people have divine + origin and are honored as living gods. At the left on the high plateau + stands an old monastery with a huge, dark red tower, which is known as the + “Temple Lamas City,” containing a gigantic bronze gilded statue of Buddha + sitting on the golden flower of the lotus; tens of smaller temples, + shrines, obo, open altars, towers for astrology and the grey city of the + Lamas consisting of single-storied houses and yurtas, where about 60,000 + monks of all ages and ranks dwell; schools, sacred archives and libraries, + the houses of Bandi and the inns for the honored guests from China, Tibet, + and the lands of the Buriat and Kalmuck. + </p> + <p> + Down below the monastery is the foreign settlement where the Russian, + foreign and richest Chinese merchants live and where the multi-colored and + crowded oriental bazaar carries forward its bustling life. A kilometre + away the greyish enclosure of Maimachen surrounds the remaining Chinese + trading establishments, while farther on one sees a long row of Russian + private houses, a hospital, church, prison and, last of all, the awkward + four-storied red brick building that was formerly the Russian Consulate. + </p> + <p> + We were already within a short distance of the monastery, when I noticed + several Mongol soldiers in the mouth of a ravine nearby, dragging back and + concealing in the ravine three dead bodies. + </p> + <p> + “What are they doing?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + The Cossacks only smiled without answering. Suddenly they straightened up + with a sharp salute. Out of the ravine came a small, stocky Mongolian pony + with a short man in the saddle. As he passed us, I noticed the epaulets of + a colonel and the green cap with a visor. He examined me with cold, + colorless eyes from under dense brows. As he went on ahead, he took off + his cap and wiped the perspiration from his bald head. My eyes were struck + by the strange undulating line of his skull. It was the man “with the head + like a saddle,” against whom I had been warned by the old fortune teller + at the last ourton outside Van Kure! + </p> + <p> + “Who is this officer?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + Although he was already quite a distance in front of us, the Cossacks + whispered: “Colonel Sepailoff, Commandant of Urga City.” + </p> + <p> + Colonel Sepailoff, the darkest person on the canvas of Mongolian events! + Formerly a mechanician, afterwards a gendarme, he had gained quick + promotion under the Czar’s regime. He was always nervously jerking and + wriggling his body and talking ceaselessly, making most unattractive + sounds in his throat and sputtering with saliva all over his lips, his + whole face often contracted with spasms. He was mad and Baron Ungern twice + appointed a commission of surgeons to examine him and ordered him to rest + in the hope he could rid the man of his evil genius. Undoubtedly Sepailoff + was a sadist. I heard afterwards that he himself executed the condemned + people, joking and singing as he did his work. Dark, terrifying tales were + current about him in Urga. He was a bloodhound, fastening his victims with + the jaws of death. All the glory of the cruelty of Baron Ungern belonged + to Sepailoff. Afterwards Baron Ungern once told me in Urga that this + Sepailoff annoyed him and that Sepailoff could kill him just as well as + others. Baron Ungern feared Sepailoff, not as a man, but dominated by his + own superstition, because Sepailoff had found in Transbaikalia a witch + doctor who predicted the death of the Baron if he dismissed Sepailoff. + Sepailoff knew no pardon for Bolshevik nor for any one connected with the + Bolsheviki in any way. The reason for his vengeful spirit was that the + Bolsheviki had tortured him in prison and, after his escape, had killed + all his family. He was now taking his revenge. + </p> + <p> + I put up with a Russian firm and was at once visited by my associates from + Uliassutai, who greeted me with great joy because they had been much + exercised about the events in Van Kure and Zain Shabi. When I had bathed + and spruced up, I went out with them on the street. We entered the bazaar. + The whole market was crowded. To the lively colored groups of men buying, + selling and shouting their wares, the bright streamers of Chinese cloth, + the strings of pearls, the earrings and bracelets gave an air of endless + festivity; while on another side buyers were feeling of live sheep to see + whether they were fat or not, the butcher was cutting great pieces of + mutton from the hanging carcasses and everywhere these sons of the plain + were joking and jesting. The Mongolian women in their huge coiffures and + heavy silver caps like saucers on their heads were admiring the variegated + silk ribbons and long chains of coral beads; an imposing big Mongol + attentively examined a small herd of splendid horses and bargained with + the Mongol zahachine or owner of the horses; a skinny, quick, black + Tibetan, who had come to Urga to pray to the Living Buddha or, maybe, with + a secret message from the other “God” in Lhasa, squatted and bargained for + an image of the Lotus Buddha carved in agate; in another corner a big + crowd of Mongols and Buriats had collected and surrounded a Chinese + merchant selling finely painted snuff-bottles of glass, crystal, + porcelain, amethyst, jade, agate and nephrite, for one of which made of a + greenish milky nephrite with regular brown veins running through it and + carved with a dragon winding itself around a bevy of young damsels the + merchant was demanding of his Mongol inquirers ten young oxen; and + everywhere Buriats in their long red coats and small red caps embroidered + with gold helped the Tartars in black overcoats and black velvet caps on + the back of their heads to weave the pattern of this Oriental human + tapestry. Lamas formed the common background for it all, as they wandered + about in their yellow and red robes, with capes picturesquely thrown over + their shoulders and caps of many forms, some like yellow mushrooms, others + like the red Phrygian bonnets or old Greek helmets in red. They mingled + with the crowd, chatting serenely and counting their rosaries, telling + fortunes for those who would hear but chiefly searching out the rich + Mongols whom they could cure or exploit by fortune telling, predictions or + other mysteries of a city of 60,000 Lamas. Simultaneously religious and + political espionage was being carried out. Just at this time many Mongols + were arriving from Inner Mongolia and they were continuously surrounded by + an invisible but numerous network of watching Lamas. Over the buildings + around floated the Russian, Chinese and Mongolian national flags with a + single one of the Stars and Stripes above a small shop in the market; + while over the nearby tents and yurtas streamed the ribbons, the squares, + the circles and triangles of the princes and private persons afflicted or + dying from smallpox and leprosy. All were mingled and mixed in one bright + mass strongly lighted by the sun. Occasionally one saw the soldiers of + Baron Ungern rushing about in long blue coats; Mongols and Tibetans in red + coats with yellow epaulets bearing the swastika of Jenghiz Khan and the + initials of the Living Buddha; and Chinese soldiers from their detachment + in the Mongolian army. After the defeat of the Chinese army two thousand + of these braves petitioned the Living Buddha to enlist them in his + legions, swearing fealty and faith to him. They were accepted and formed + into two regiments bearing the old Chinese silver dragons on their caps + and shoulders. + </p> + <p> + As we crossed this market, from around a corner came a big motor car with + the roar of a siren. There was Baron Ungern in the yellow silk Mongolian + coat with a blue girdle. He was going very fast but recognized me at once, + stopping and getting out to invite me to go with him to his yurta. The + Baron lived in a small, simply arranged yurta, set up in the courtyard of + a Chinese hong. He had his headquarters in two other yurtas nearby, while + his servants occupied one of the Chinese fang-tzu. When I reminded him of + his promise to help me to reach the open ports, the General looked at me + with his bright eyes and spoke in French: + </p> + <p> + “My work here is coming to an end. In nine days I shall begin the war with + the Bolsheviki and shall go into the Transbaikal. I beg that you will + spend this time here. For many years I have lived without civilized + society. I am alone with my thoughts and I would like to have you know + them, speaking with me not as the ‘bloody mad Baron,’ as my enemies call + me, nor as the ‘severe grandfather,’ which my officers and soldiers call + me, but as an ordinary man who has sought much and has suffered even + more.” + </p> + <p> + The Baron reflected for some minutes and then continued: + </p> + <p> + “I have thought about the further trip of your group and I shall arrange + everything for you, but I ask you to remain here these nine days.” + </p> + <p> + What was I to do? I agreed. The Baron shook my hand warmly and ordered + tea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + A SON OF CRUSADERS AND PRIVATEERS + </h3> + <p> + “Tell me about yourself and your trip,” he urged. In response I related + all that I thought would interest him and he appeared quite excited over + my tale. + </p> + <p> + “Now I shall tell you about myself, who and what I am! My name is + surrounded with such hate and fear that no one can judge what is the truth + and what is false, what is history and what myth. Some time you will write + about it, remembering your trip through Mongolia and your sojourn at the + yurta of the ‘bloody General.’” + </p> + <p> + He shut his eyes, smoking as he spoke, and tumbling out his sentences + without finishing them as though some one would prevent him from phrasing + them. + </p> + <p> + “The family of Ungern von Sternberg is an old family, a mixture of Germans + with Hungarians—Huns from the time of Attila. My warlike ancestors + took part in all the European struggles. They participated in the Crusades + and one Ungern was killed under the walls of Jerusalem, fighting under + Richard Coeur de Lion. Even the tragic Crusade of the Children was marked + by the death of Ralph Ungern, eleven years old. When the boldest warriors + of the country were despatched to the eastern border of the German Empire + against the Slavs in the twelfth century, my ancestor Arthur was among + them, Baron Halsa Ungern Sternberg. Here these border knights formed the + order of Monk Knights or Teutons, which with fire and sword spread + Christianity among the pagan Lithuanians, Esthonians, Latvians and Slavs. + Since then the Teuton Order of Knights has always had among its members + representatives of our family. When the Teuton Order perished in the + Grunwald under the swords of the Polish and Lithuanian troops, two Barons + Ungern von Sternberg were killed there. Our family was warlike and given + to mysticism and asceticism. + </p> + <p> + “During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries several Barons von Ungern + had their castles in the lands of Latvia and Esthonia. Many legends and + tales lived after them. Heinrich Ungern von Sternberg, called ‘Ax,’ was a + wandering knight. The tournaments of France, England, Spain and Italy knew + his name and lance, which filled the hearts of his opponents with fear. He + fell at Cadiz ‘neath the sword of a knight who cleft both his helmet and + his skull. Baron Ralph Ungern was a brigand knight between Riga and Reval. + Baron Peter Ungern had his castle on the island of Dago in the Baltic Sea, + where as a privateer he ruled the merchantmen of his day. + </p> + <p> + “In the beginning of the eighteenth century there was also a well-known + Baron Wilhelm Ungern, who was referred to as the ‘brother of Satan’ + because he was an alchemist. My grandfather was a privateer in the Indian + Ocean, taking his tribute from the English traders whose warships could + not catch him for several years. At last he was captured and handed to the + Russian Consul, who transported him to Russia where he was sentenced to + deportation to the Transbaikal. I am also a naval officer but the + Russo-Japanese War forced me to leave my regular profession to join and + fight with the Zabaikal Cossacks. I have spent all my life in war or in + the study and learning of Buddhism. My grandfather brought Buddhism to us + from India and my father and I accepted and professed it. In Transbaikalia + I tried to form the order of Military Buddhists for an uncompromising + fight against the depravity of revolution.” + </p> + <p> + He fell into silence and began drinking cup after cup of tea as strong and + black as coffee. + </p> + <p> + “Depravity of revolution! . . . Has anyone ever thought of it besides the + French philosopher, Bergson, and the most learned Tashi Lama in Tibet?” + </p> + <p> + The grandson of the privateer, quoting scientific theories, works, the + names of scientists and writers, the Holy Bible and Buddhist books, mixing + together French, German, Russian and English, continued: + </p> + <p> + “In the Buddhistic and ancient Christian books we read stern predictions + about the time when the war between the good and evil spirits must begin. + Then there must come the unknown ‘Curse’ which will conquer the world, + blot out culture, kill morality and destroy all the people. Its weapon is + revolution. During every revolution the previously experienced + intellect-creator will be replaced by the new rough force of the + destroyer. He will place and hold in the first rank the lower instincts + and desires. Man will be farther removed from the divine and the + spiritual. The Great War proved that humanity must progress upward toward + higher ideals; but then appeared that Curse which was seen and felt by + Christ, the Apostle John, Buddha, the first Christian martyrs, Dante, + Leonardo da Vinci, Goethe and Dostoyevsky. It appeared, turned back the + wheel of progress and blocked our road to the Divinity. Revolution is an + infectious disease and Europe making the treaty with Moscow deceived + itself and the other parts of the world. The Great Spirit put at the + threshold of our lives Karma, who knows neither anger nor pardon. He will + reckon the account, whose total will be famine, destruction, the death of + culture, of glory, of honor and of spirit, the death of states and the + death of peoples. I see already this horror, this dark, mad destruction of + humanity.” + </p> + <p> + The door of the yurta suddenly swung open and an adjutant snapped into a + position of attention and salute. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you enter a room by force?” the General exclaimed in anger. + </p> + <p> + “Your Excellency, our outpost on the border has caught a Bolshevik + reconnaissance party and brought them here.” + </p> + <p> + The Baron arose. His eyes sparkled and his face contracted with spasms. + </p> + <p> + “Bring them in front of my yurta!” he ordered. + </p> + <p> + All was forgotten—the inspired speech, the penetrating voice—all + were sunk in the austere order of the severe commander. The Baron put on + his cap, caught up the bamboo tashur which he always carried with him and + rushed from the yurta. I followed him out. There in front of the yurta + stood six Red soldiers surrounded by the Cossacks. + </p> + <p> + The Baron stopped and glared sharply at them for several minutes. In his + face one could see the strong play of his thoughts. Afterwards he turned + away from them, sat down on the doorstep of the Chinese house and for a + long time was buried in thought. Then he rose, walked over to them and, + with an evident show of decisiveness in his movements, touched all the + prisoners on the shoulder with his tashur and said: “You to the left and + you to the right!” as he divided the squad into two sections, four on the + right and two on the left. + </p> + <p> + “Search those two! They must be commissars!” commanded the Baron and, + turning to the other four, asked: “Are you peasants mobilized by the + Bolsheviki?” + </p> + <p> + “Just so, Your Excellency!” cried the frightened soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “Go to the Commandant and tell him that I have ordered you to be enlisted + in my troops!” + </p> + <p> + On the two to the left they found passports of Commissars of the Communist + Political Department. The General knitted his brows and slowly pronounced + the following: + </p> + <p> + “Beat them to death with sticks!” + </p> + <p> + He turned and entered the yurta. After this our conversation did not flow + readily and so I left the Baron to himself. + </p> + <p> + After dinner in the Russian firm where I was staying some of Ungern’s + officers came in. We were chatting animatedly when suddenly we heard the + horn of an automobile, which instantly threw the officers into silence. + </p> + <p> + “The General is passing somewhere near,” one of them remarked in a + strangely altered voice. + </p> + <p> + Our interrupted conversation was soon resumed but not for long. The clerk + of the firm came running into the room and exclaimed: “The Baron!” + </p> + <p> + He entered the door but stopped on the threshold. The lamps had not yet + been lighted and it was getting dark inside, but the Baron instantly + recognized us all, approached and kissed the hand of the hostess, greeted + everyone very cordially and, accepting the cup of tea offered him, drew up + to the table to drink. Soon he spoke: + </p> + <p> + “I want to steal your guest,” he said to the hostess and then, turning to + me, asked: “Do you want to go for a motor ride? I shall show you the city + and the environs.” + </p> + <p> + Donning my coat, I followed my established custom and slipped my revolver + into it, at which the Baron laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Leave that trash behind! Here you are in safety. Besides you must + remember the prediction of Narabanchi Hutuktu that Fortune will ever be + with you.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” I answered, also with a laugh. “I remember very well this + prediction. Only I do not know what the Hutuktu thinks ‘Fortune’ means for + me. Maybe it is death like the rest after my hard, long trip, and I must + confess that I prefer to travel farther and am not ready to die.” + </p> + <p> + We went out to the gate where the big Fiat stood with its intruding great + lights. The chauffeur officer sat at the wheel like a statue and remained + at salute all the time we were entering and seating ourselves. + </p> + <p> + “To the wireless station!” commanded the Baron. + </p> + <p> + We veritably leapt forward. The city swarmed, as earlier, with the + Oriental throng, but its appearance now was even more strange and + miraculous. In among the noisy crowd Mongol, Buriat and Tibetan riders + threaded swiftly; caravans of camels solemnly raised their heads as we + passed; the wooden wheels of the Mongol carts screamed in pain; and all + was illumined by splendid great arc lights from the electric station which + Baron Ungern had ordered erected immediately after the capture of Urga, + together with a telephone system and wireless station. He also ordered his + men to clean and disinfect the city which had probably not felt the broom + since the days of Jenghiz Khan. He arranged an auto-bus traffic between + different parts of the city; built bridges over the Tola and Orkhon; + published a newspaper; arranged a veterinary laboratory and hospitals; + re-opened the schools; protected commerce, mercilessly hanging Russian and + Mongolian soldiers for pillaging Chinese firms. + </p> + <p> + In one of these cases his Commandant arrested two Cossacks and a Mongol + soldier who had stolen brandy from one of the Chinese shops and brought + them before him. He immediately bundled them all into his car, drove off + to the shop, delivered the brandy back to the proprietor and as promptly + ordered the Mongol to hang one of the Russians to the big gate of the + compound. With this one swung he commanded: “Now hang the other!” and this + had only just been accomplished when he turned to the Commandant and + ordered him to hang the Mongol beside the other two. That seemed + expeditious and just enough until the Chinese proprietor came in dire + distress to the Baron and plead with him: + </p> + <p> + “General Baron! General Baron! Please take those men down from my gateway, + for no one will enter my shop!” + </p> + <p> + After the commercial quarter was flashed past our eyes, we entered the + Russian settlement across a small river. Several Russian soldiers and four + very spruce-looking Mongolian women stood on the bridge as we passed. The + soldiers snapped to salute like immobile statues and fixed their eyes on + the severe face of their Commander. The women first began to run and shift + about and then, infected by the discipline and order of events, swung + their hands up to salute and stood as immobile as their northern swains. + The Baron looked at me and laughed: + </p> + <p> + “You see the discipline! Even the Mongolian women salute me.” + </p> + <p> + Soon we were out on the plain with the car going like an arrow, with the + wind whistling and tossing the folds of our coats and caps. But Baron + Ungern, sitting with closed eyes, repeated: “Faster! Faster!” For a long + time we were both silent. + </p> + <p> + “And yesterday I beat my adjutant for rushing into my yurta and + interrupting my story,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “You can finish it now,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “And are you not bored by it? Well, there isn’t much left and this happens + to be the most interesting. I was telling you that I wanted to found an + order of military Buddhists in Russia. For what? For the protection of the + processes of evolution of humanity and for the struggle against + revolution, because I am certain that evolution leads to the Divinity and + revolution to bestiality. But I worked in Russia! In Russia, where the + peasants are rough, untutored, wild and constantly angry, hating everybody + and everything without understanding why. They are suspicious and + materialistic, having no sacred ideals. Russian intelligents live among + imaginary ideals without realities. They have a strong capacity for + criticising everything but they lack creative power. Also they have no + will power, only the capacity for talking and talking. With the peasants, + they cannot like anything or anybody. Their love and feelings are + imaginary. Their thoughts and sentiments pass without trace like futile + words. My companions, therefore, soon began to violate the regulations of + the Order. Then I introduced the condition of celibacy, the entire + negation of woman, of the comforts of life, of superfluities, according to + the teachings of the Yellow Faith; and, in order that the Russian might be + able to live down his physical nature, I introduced the limitless use of + alcohol, hasheesh and opium. Now for alcohol I hang my officers and + soldiers; then we drank to the ‘white fever,’ delirium tremens. I could + not organize the Order but I gathered round me and developed three hundred + men wholly bold and entirely ferocious. Afterward they were heroes in the + war with Germany and later in the fight against the Bolsheviki, but now + only a few remain.” + </p> + <p> + “The wireless, Excellency!” reported the chauffeur. + </p> + <p> + “Turn in there!” ordered the General. + </p> + <p> + On the top of a flat hill stood the big, powerful radio station which had + been partially destroyed by the retreating Chinese but reconstructed by + the engineers of Baron Ungern. The General perused the telegrams and + handed them to me. They were from Moscow, Chita, Vladivostok and Peking. + On a separate yellow sheet were the code messages, which the Baron slipped + into his pocket as he said to me: + </p> + <p> + “They are from my agents, who are stationed in Chita, Irkutsk, Harbin and + Vladivostok. They are all Jews, very skilled and very bold men, friends of + mine all. I have also one Jewish officer, Vulfovitch, who commands my + right flank. He is as ferocious as Satan but clever and brave. . . . Now + we shall fly into space.” + </p> + <p> + Once more we rushed away, sinking into the darkness of night. It was a + wild ride. The car bounded over small stones and ditches, even taking + narrow streamlets, as the skilled chauffeur only seemed to guide it round + the larger rocks. On the plain, as we sped by, I noticed several times + small bright flashes of fire which lasted but for a second and then were + extinguished. + </p> + <p> + “The eyes of wolves,” smiled my companion. “We have fed them to satiety + from the flesh of ourselves and our enemies!” he quietly interpolated, as + he turned to continue his confession of faith. + </p> + <p> + “During the War we saw the gradual corruption of the Russian army and + foresaw the treachery of Russia to the Allies as well as the approaching + danger of revolution. To counteract this latter a plan was formed to join + together all the Mongolian peoples which had not forgotten their ancient + faiths and customs into one Asiatic State, consisting of autonomous tribal + units, under the moral and legislative leadership of China, the country of + loftiest and most ancient culture. Into this State must come the Chinese, + Mongols, Tibetans, Afghans, the Mongol tribes of Turkestan, Tartars, + Buriats, Kirghiz and Kalmucks. This State must be strong, physically and + morally, and must erect a barrier against revolution and carefully + preserve its own spirit, philosophy and individual policy. If humanity, + mad and corrupted, continues to threaten the Divine Spirit in mankind, to + spread blood and to obstruct moral development, the Asiatic State must + terminate this movement decisively and establish a permanent, firm peace. + This propaganda even during the War made splendid progress among the + Turkomans, Kirghiz, Buriats and Mongols. . . . ‘Stop!’ suddenly shouted + the Baron.” + </p> + <p> + The car pulled up with a jerk. The General jumped out and called me to + follow. We started walking over the prairie and the Baron kept bending + down all the time as though he were looking for something on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he murmured at last, “He has gone away. . . .” + </p> + <p> + I looked at him in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “A rich Mongol formerly had his yurta here. He was the outfitter for the + Russian merchant, Noskoff. Noskoff was a ferocious man as shown by the + name the Mongols gave him—‘Satan.’ He used to have his Mongol + debtors beaten or imprisoned through the instrumentality of the Chinese + authorities. He ruined this Mongol, who lost everything and escaped to a + place thirty miles away; but Noskoff found him there, took all that he had + left of cattle and horses and left the Mongol and his family to die of + hunger. When I captured Urga, this Mongol appeared and brought with him + thirty other Mongol families similarly ruined by Noskoff. They demanded + his death. . . . So I hung ‘Satan’ . . .” + </p> + <p> + Anew the motor car was rushing along, sweeping a great circle on the + prairie, and anew Baron Ungern with his sharp, nervous voice carried his + thoughts round the whole circumference of Asian life. + </p> + <p> + “Russia turned traitor to France, England and America, signed the + Brest-Litovsk Treaty and ushered in a reign of chaos. We then decided to + mobilize Asia against Germany. Our envoys penetrated Mongolia, Tibet, + Turkestan and China. At this time the Bolsheviki began to kill all the + Russian officers and we were forced to open civil war against them, giving + up our Pan-Asiatic plans; but we hope later to awake all Asia and with + their help to bring peace and God back to earth. I want to feel that I + have helped this idea by the liberation of Mongolia.” + </p> + <p> + He became silent and thought for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “But some of my associates in the movement do not like me because of my + atrocities and severity,” he remarked in a sad voice. “They cannot + understand as yet that we are not fighting a political party but a sect of + murderers of all contemporary spiritual culture. Why do the Italians + execute the ‘Black Hand’ gang? Why are the Americans electrocuting + anarchistic bomb throwers? and I am not allowed to rid the world of those + who would kill the soul of the people? I, a Teuton, descendant of + crusaders and privateers, I recognize only death for murderers! . . . + Return!” he commanded the chauffeur. + </p> + <p> + An hour and a half later we saw the electric lights of Urga. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + THE CAMP OF MARTYRS + </h3> + <p> + Near the entrance to the town, a motor car stood before a small house. + </p> + <p> + “What does that mean?” exclaimed the Baron. “Go over there!” + </p> + <p> + Our car drew up beside the other. The house door opened sharply, several + officers rushed out and tried to hide. + </p> + <p> + “Stand!” commanded the General. “Go back inside.” They obeyed and he + entered after them, leaning on his tashur. As the door remained open, I + could see and hear everything. + </p> + <p> + “Woe to them!” whispered the chauffeur. “Our officers knew that the Baron + had gone out of the town with me, which means always a long journey, and + must have decided to have a good time. He will order them beaten to death + with sticks.” + </p> + <p> + I could see the end of the table covered with bottles and tinned things. + At the side two young women were seated, who sprang up at the appearance + of the General. I could hear the hoarse voice of Baron Ungern pronouncing + sharp, short, stern phrases. + </p> + <p> + “Your native land is perishing. . . . The shame of it is upon all you + Russians . . . and you cannot understand it . . . nor feel it. . . . You + need wine and women. . . . Scoundrels! Brutes! . . . One hundred fifty + tashur for every man of you.” + </p> + <p> + The voice fell to a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “And you, Mesdames, do you not realize the ruin of your people? No? For + you it is of no moment. And have you no feeling for your husbands at the + front who may even now be killed? You are not women. . . . I honor woman, + who feels more deeply and strongly than man; but you are not women! . . . + Listen to me, Mesdames. Once more and I will hang you. . . .” + </p> + <p> + He came back to the car and himself sounded the horn several times. + Immediately Mongol horsemen galloped up. + </p> + <p> + “Take these men to the Commandant. I will send my orders later.” + </p> + <p> + On the way to the Baron’s yurta we were silent. He was excited and + breathed heavily, lighting cigarette after cigarette and throwing them + aside after but a single puff or two. + </p> + <p> + “Take supper with me,” he proposed. + </p> + <p> + He also invited his Chief of Staff, a very retiring, oppressed but + splendidly educated man. The servants spread a Chinese hot course for us + followed by cold meat and fruit compote from California with the + inevitable tea. We ate with chopsticks. The Baron was greatly distraught. + </p> + <p> + Very cautiously I began speaking of the offending officers and tried to + justify their actions by the extremely trying circumstances under which + they were living. + </p> + <p> + “They are rotten through and through, demoralized, sunk into the depths,” + murmured the General. + </p> + <p> + The Chief of Staff helped me out and at last the Baron directed him to + telephone the Commandant to release these gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + The following day I spent with my friends, walking a great deal about the + streets and watching their busy life. The great energy of the Baron + demanded constant nervous activity from himself and every one round him. + He was everywhere, seeing everything but never, interfering with the work + of his subordinate administrators. Every one was at work. + </p> + <p> + In the evening I was invited by the Chief of Staff to his quarters, where + I met many intelligent officers. I related again the story of my trip and + we were all chatting along animatedly when suddenly Colonel Sepailoff + entered, singing to himself. All the others at once became silent and one + by one under various pretexts they slipped out. He handed our host some + papers and, turning to us, said: + </p> + <p> + “I shall send you for supper a splendid fish pie and some hot tomato + soup.” + </p> + <p> + As he left, my host clasped his head in desperation and said: + </p> + <p> + “With such scum of the earth are we now forced after this revolution to + work!” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later a soldier from Sepailoff brought us a tureen full of + soup and the fish pie. As the soldier bent over the table to set the + dishes down, the Chief motioned me with his eyes and slipped to me the + words: “Notice his face.” + </p> + <p> + When the man went out, my host sat attentively listening until the sounds + of the man’s steps ceased. + </p> + <p> + “He is Sepailoff’s executioner who hangs and strangles the unfortunate + condemned ones.” + </p> + <p> + Then, to my amazement, he began to pour out the soup on the ground beside + the brazier and, going out of the yurta, threw the pie over the fence. + </p> + <p> + “It is Sepailoff’s feast and, though it may be very tasty, it may also be + poison. In Sepailoff’s house it is dangerous to eat or drink anything.” + </p> + <p> + Distinctly oppressed by these doings, I returned to my house. My host was + not yet asleep and met me with a frightened look. My friends were also + there. + </p> + <p> + “God be thanked!” they all exclaimed. “Has nothing happened to you?” + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” began the host, “after your departure a soldier came from + Sepailoff and took your luggage, saying that you had sent him for it; but + we knew what it meant—that they would first search it and + afterwards. . . .” + </p> + <p> + I at once understood the danger. Sepailoff could place anything he wanted + in my luggage and afterwards accuse me. My old friend, the agronome, and I + started at once for Sepailoff’s, where I left him at the door while I went + in and was met by the same soldier who had brought the supper to us. + Sepailoff received me immediately. In answer to my protest he said that it + was a mistake and, asking me to wait for a moment, went out. I waited + five, ten, fifteen minutes but nobody came. I knocked on the door but no + one answered me. Then I decided to go to Baron Ungern and started for the + exit. The door was locked. Then I tried the other door and found that also + locked. I had been trapped! I wanted at once to whistle to my friend but + just then noticed a telephone on the wall and called up Baron Ungern. In a + few minutes he appeared together with Sepailoff. + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” he asked Sepailoff in a severe, threatening voice; and, + without waiting for an answer, struck him a blow with his tashur that sent + him to the floor. + </p> + <p> + We went out and the General ordered my luggage produced. Then he brought + me to his own yurta. + </p> + <p> + “Live here, now,” he said. “I am very glad of this accident,” he remarked + with a smile, “for now I can say all that I want to.” + </p> + <p> + This drew from me the question: + </p> + <p> + “May I describe all that I have heard and seen here?” + </p> + <p> + He thought a moment before replying: “Give me your notebook.” + </p> + <p> + I handed him the album with my sketches of the trip and he wrote therein: + “After my death, Baron Ungern.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am older than you and I shall die before you,” I remarked. + </p> + <p> + He shut his eyes, bowed his head and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! One hundred thirty days yet and it is finished; then . . . + Nirvana! How wearied I am with sorrow, woe and hate!” + </p> + <p> + We were silent for a long time. I felt that I had now a mortal enemy in + Colonel Sepailoff and that I should get out of Urga at the earliest + possible moment. It was two o’clock at night. Suddenly Baron Ungern stood + up. + </p> + <p> + “Let us go to the great, good Buddha,” he said with a countenance held in + deep thought and with eyes aflame, his whole face contracted by a + mournful, bitter smile. He ordered the car brought. + </p> + <p> + Thus lived this camp of martyrs, refugees pursued by events to their tryst + with Death, driven on by the hate and contempt of this offspring of + Teutons and privateers! And he, martyring them, knew neither day nor night + of peace. Fired by impelling, poisonous thoughts, he tormented himself + with the pains of a Titan, knowing that every day in this shortening chain + of one hundred thirty links brought him nearer to the precipice called + “Death.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + BEFORE THE FACE OF BUDDHA + </h3> + <p> + As we came to the monastery we left the automobile and dipped into the + labyrinth of narrow alleyways until at last we were before the greatest + temple of Urga with the Tibetan walls and windows and its pretentious + Chinese roof. A single lantern burned at the entrance. The heavy gate with + the bronze and iron trimmings was shut. When the General struck the big + brass gong hanging by the gate, frightened monks began running up from all + directions and, seeing the “General Baron,” fell to the earth in fear of + raising their heads. + </p> + <p> + “Get up,” said the Baron, “and let us into the Temple!” + </p> + <p> + The inside was like that of all Lama temples, the same multi-colored flags + with the prayers, symbolic signs and the images of holy saints; the big + bands of silk cloth hanging from the ceiling; the images of the gods and + goddesses. On both sides of the approach to the altar were the low red + benches for the Lamas and choir. On the altar small lamps threw their rays + on the gold and silver vessels and candlesticks. Behind it hung a heavy + yellow silk curtain with Tibetan inscriptions. The Lamas drew the curtain + aside. Out of the dim light from the flickering lamps gradually appeared + the great gilded statue of Buddha seated in the Golden Lotus. The face of + the god was indifferent and calm with only a soft gleam of light animating + it. On either side he was guarded by many thousands of lesser Buddhas + brought by the faithful as offerings in prayer. The Baron struck the gong + to attract Great Buddha’s attention to his prayer and threw a handful of + coins into the large bronze bowl. And then this scion of crusaders who had + read all the philosophers of the West, closed his eyes, placed his hands + together before his face and prayed. I noticed a black rosary on his left + wrist. He prayed about ten minutes. Afterwards he led me to the other end + of the monastery and, during our passage, said to me: + </p> + <p> + “I do not like this temple. It is new, erected by the Lamas when the + Living Buddha became blind. I do not find on the face of the golden Buddha + either tears, hopes, distress or thanks of the people. They have not yet + had time to leave these traces on the face of the god. We shall go now to + the old Shrine of Prophecies.” + </p> + <p> + This was a small building, blackened with age and resembling a tower with + a plain round roof. The doors stood open. At both sides of the door were + prayer wheels ready to be spun; over it a slab of copper with the signs of + the zodiac. Inside two monks, who were intoning the sacred sutras, did not + lift their eyes as we entered. The General approached them and said: + </p> + <p> + “Cast the dice for the number of my days!” + </p> + <p> + The priests brought two bowls with many dice therein and rolled them out + on their low table. The Baron looked and reckoned with them the sum before + he spoke: + </p> + <p> + “One hundred thirty! Again one hundred thirty!” + </p> + <p> + Approaching the altar carrying an ancient stone statue of Buddha brought + all the way from India, he again prayed. As day dawned, we wandered out + through the monastery, visited all the temples and shrines, the museum of + the medical school, the astrological tower and then the court where the + Bandi and young Lamas have their daily morning wrestling exercises. In + other places the Lamas were practising with the bow and arrow. Some of the + higher Lamas feasted us with hot mutton, tea and wild onions. After we + returned to the yurta I tried to sleep but in vain. Too many different + questions were troubling me. “Where am I? In what epoch am I living?” I + knew not but I dimly felt the unseen touch of some great idea, some + enormous plan, some indescribable human woe. + </p> + <p> + After our noon meal the General said he wanted to introduce me to the + Living Buddha. It is so difficult to secure audience with the Living + Buddha that I was very glad to have this opportunity offered me. Our auto + soon drew up at the gate of the red and white striped wall surrounding the + palace of the god. Two hundred Lamas in yellow and red robes rushed to + greet the arriving “Chiang Chun,” General, with the low-toned, respectful + whisper “Khan! God of War!” As a regiment of formal ushers they led us to + a spacious great hall softened by its semi-darkness. Heavy carved doors + opened to the interior parts of the palace. In the depths of the hall + stood a dais with the throne covered with yellow silk cushions. The back + of the throne was red inside a gold framing; at either side stood yellow + silk screens set in highly ornamented frames of black Chinese wood; while + against the walls at either side of the throne stood glass cases filled + with varied objects from China, Japan, India and Russia. I noticed also + among them a pair of exquisite Marquis and Marquises in the fine porcelain + of Sevres. Before the throne stood a long, low table at which eight noble + Mongols were seated, their chairman, a highly esteemed old man with a + clever, energetic face and with large penetrating eyes. His appearance + reminded me of the authentic wooden images of the Buddhist holymen with + eyes of precious stones which I saw at the Tokyo Imperial Museum in the + department devoted to Buddhism, where the Japanese show the ancient + statues of Amida, Daunichi-Buddha, the Goddess Kwannon and the jolly old + Hotei. + </p> + <p> + This man was the Hutuktu Jahantsi, Chairman of the Mongolian Council of + Ministers, and honored and revered far beyond the bournes of Mongolia. The + others were the Ministers—Khans and the Highest Princes of Khalkha. + Jahantsi Hutuktu invited Baron Ungern to the place at his side, while they + brought in a European chair for me. Baron Ungern announced to the Council + of Ministers through an interpreter that he would leave Mongolia in a few + days and urged them to protect the freedom won for the lands inhabited by + the successors of Jenghiz Khan, whose soul still lives and calls upon the + Mongols to become anew a powerful people and reunite again into one great + Mid-Asiatic State all the Asian kingdoms he had ruled. + </p> + <p> + The General rose and all the others followed him. He took leave of each + one separately and sternly. Only before Jahantsi Lama he bent low while + the Hutuktu placed his hands on the Baron’s head and blessed him. From the + Council Chamber we passed at once to the Russian style house which is the + personal dwelling of the Living Buddha. The house was wholly surrounded by + a crowd of red and yellow Lamas; servants, councilors of Bogdo, officials, + fortune tellers, doctors and favorites. From the front entrance stretched + a long red rope whose outer end was thrown over the wall beside the gate. + Crowds of pilgrims crawling up on their knees touch this end of the rope + outside the gate and hand the monk a silken hatyk or a bit of silver. This + touching of the rope whose inner end is in the hand of the Bogdo + establishes direct communication with the holy, incarnated Living God. A + current of blessing is supposed to flow through this cable of camel’s wool + and horse hair. Any Mongol who has touched the mystic rope receives and + wears about his neck a red band as the sign of his accomplished + pilgrimage. + </p> + <p> + I had heard very much about the Bogdo Khan before this opportunity to see + him. I had heard of his love of alcohol, which had brought on blindness, + about his leaning toward exterior western culture and about his wife + drinking deep with him and receiving in his name numerous delegations and + envoys. + </p> + <p> + In the room which the Bogdo used as his private study, where two Lama + secretaries watched day and night over the chest that contained his great + seals, there was the severest simplicity. On a low, plain, Chinese + lacquered table lay his writing implements, a case of seals given by the + Chinese Government and by the Dalai Lama and wrapped in a cloth of yellow + silk. Nearby was a low easy chair, a bronze brazier with an iron stovepipe + leading up from it; on the walls were the signs of the swastika, Tibetan + and Mongolian inscriptions; behind the easy chair a small altar with a + golden statue of Buddha before which two tallow lamps were burning; the + floor was covered with a thick yellow carpet. + </p> + <p> + When we entered, only the two Lama secretaries were there, for the Living + Buddha was in the small private shrine in an adjoining chamber, where no + one is allowed to enter save the Bogdo Khan himself and one Lama, + Kanpo-Gelong, who cares for the temple arrangements and assists the Living + Buddha during his prayers of solitude. The secretary told us that the + Bogdo had been greatly excited this morning. At noon he had entered his + shrine. For a long time the voice of the head of the Yellow Faith was + heard in earnest prayer and after his another unknown voice came clearly + forth. In the shrine had taken place a conversation between the Buddha on + earth and the Buddha of heaven—thus the Lamas phrased it to us. + </p> + <p> + “Let us wait a little,” the Baron proposed. “Perhaps he will soon come + out.” + </p> + <p> + As we waited the General began telling me about Jahantsi Lama, saying + that, when Jahantsi is calm, he is an ordinary man but, when he is + disturbed and thinks very deeply, a nimbus appears about his head. + </p> + <p> + After half an hour the Lama secretaries suddenly showed signs of deep fear + and began listening closely by the entrance to the shrine. Shortly they + fell on their faces on the ground. The door slowly opened and there + entered the Emperor of Mongolia, the Living Buddha, His Holiness Bogdo + Djebtsung Damba Hutuktu, Khan of Outer Mongolia. He was a stout old man + with a heavy shaven face resembling those of the Cardinals of Rome. He was + dressed in the yellow silken Mongolian coat with a black binding. The eyes + of the blind man stood widely open. Fear and amazement were pictured in + them. He lowered himself heavily into the easy chair and whispered: + “Write!” + </p> + <p> + A secretary immediately took paper and a Chinese pen as the Bogdo began to + dictate his vision, very complicated and far from clear. He finished with + the following words: + </p> + <p> + “This I, Bogdo Hutuktu Khan, saw, speaking with the great wise Buddha, + surrounded by the good and evil spirits. Wise Lamas, Hutuktus, Kanpos, + Marambas and Holy Gheghens, give the answer to my vision!” + </p> + <p> + As he finished, he wiped the perspiration from his head and asked who were + present. + </p> + <p> + “Khan Chiang Chin Baron Ungern and a stranger,” one of the secretaries + answered on his knees. + </p> + <p> + The General presented me to the Bogdo, who bowed his head as a sign of + greeting. They began speaking together in low tones. Through the open door + I saw a part of the shrine. I made out a big table with a heap of books on + it, some open and others lying on the floor below; a brazier with the red + charcoal in it; a basket containing the shoulder blades and entrails of + sheep for telling fortunes. Soon the Baron rose and bowed before the + Bogdo. The Tibetan placed his hands on the Baron’s head and whispered a + prayer. Then he took from his own neck a heavy ikon and hung it around + that of the Baron. + </p> + <p> + “You will not die but you will be incarnated in the highest form of being. + Remember that, Incarnated God of War, Khan of grateful Mongolia!” I + understood that the Living Buddha blessed the “Bloody General” before + death. + </p> + <p> + During the next two days I had the opportunity to visit the Living Buddha + three times together with a friend of the Bogdo, the Buriat Prince Djam + Bolon. I shall describe these visits in Part IV. + </p> + <p> + Baron Ungern organized the trip for me and my party to the shore of the + Pacific. We were to go on camels to northern Manchuria, because there it + was easy to avoid cavilling with the Chinese authorities so badly oriented + in the international relationship with Poland. Having sent a letter from + Uliassutai to the French Legation at Peking and bearing with me a letter + from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, expressing thanks for the saving of + Uliassutai from a pogrom, I intended to make for the nearest station on + the Chinese Eastern Railway and from there proceed to Peking. The Danish + merchant E. V. Olufsen was to have traveled out with me and also a learned + Lama Turgut, who was headed for China. + </p> + <p> + Never shall I forget the night of May 19th to 20th of 1921! After dinner + Baron Ungern proposed that we go to the yurta of Djam Bolon, whose + acquaintance I had made on the first day after my arrival in Urga. His + yurta was placed on a raised wooden platform in a compound located behind + the Russian settlement. Two Buriat officers met us and took us in. Djam + Bolon was a man of middle age, tall and thin with an unusually long face. + Before the Great War he had been a simple shepherd but had fought together + with Baron Ungern on the German front and afterwards against the + Bolsheviki. He was a Grand Duke of the Buriats, the successor of former + Buriat kings who had been dethroned by the Russian Government after their + attempt to establish the Independence of the Buriat people. The servants + brought us dishes with nuts, raisins, dates and cheese and served us tea. + </p> + <p> + “This is the last night, Djam Bolon!” said Baron Ungern. “You promised me + . . .” + </p> + <p> + “I remember,” answered the Buriat, “all is ready.” + </p> + <p> + For a long time I listened to their reminiscences about former battles and + friends who had been lost. The clock pointed to midnight when Djam Bolon + got up and went out of the yurta. + </p> + <p> + “I want to have my fortune told once more,” said Baron Ungern, as though + he were justifying himself. “For the good of our cause it is too early for + me to die. . . .” + </p> + <p> + Djam Bolon came back with a little woman of middle years, who squatted + down eastern style before the brazier, bowed low and began to stare at + Baron Ungern. Her face was whiter, narrower and thinner than that of a + Mongol woman. Her eyes were black and sharp. Her dress resembled that of a + gypsy woman. Afterwards I learned that she was a famous fortune teller and + prophet among the Buriats, the daughter of a gypsy woman and a Buriat. She + drew a small bag very slowly from her girdle, took from it some small bird + bones and a handful of dry grass. She began whispering at intervals + unintelligible words, as she threw occasional handfuls of the grass into + the fire, which gradually filled the tent with a soft fragrance. I felt a + distinct palpitation of my heart and a swimming in my head. After the + fortune teller had burned all her grass, she placed the bird bones on the + charcoal and turned them over again and again with a small pair of bronze + pincers. As the bones blackened, she began to examine them and then + suddenly her face took on an expression of fear and pain. She nervously + tore off the kerchief which bound her head and, contracted with + convulsions, began snapping out short, sharp phrases. + </p> + <p> + “I see . . . I see the God of War. . . . His life runs out . . . horribly. + . . . After it a shadow . . . black like the night. . . . Shadow. . . . + One hundred thirty steps remain. . . . Beyond darkness. . . . Nothing . . + . I see nothing. . . . The God of War has disappeared. . . .” + </p> + <p> + Baron Ungern dropped his head. The woman fell over on her back with her + arms stretched out. She had fainted, but it seemed to me that I noticed + once a bright pupil of one of her eyes showing from under the closed + lashes. Two Buriats carried out the lifeless form, after which a long + silence reigned in the yurta of the Buriat Prince. Baron Ungern finally + got up and began to walk around the brazier, whispering to himself. + Afterwards he stopped and began speaking rapidly: + </p> + <p> + “I shall die! I shall die! . . . but no matter, no matter. . . . The cause + has been launched and will not die. . . . I know the roads this cause will + travel. The tribes of Jenghiz Khan’s successors are awakened. Nobody shall + extinguish the fire in the heart of the Mongols! In Asia there will be a + great State from the Pacific and Indian Oceans to the shore of the Volga. + The wise religion of Buddha shall run to the north and the west. It will + be the victory of the spirit. A conqueror and leader will appear stronger + and more stalwart than Jenghiz Khan and Ugadai. He will be more clever and + more merciful than Sultan Baber and he will keep power in his hands until + the happy day when, from his subterranean capital, shall emerge the King + of the World. Why, why shall I not be in the first ranks of the warriors + of Buddhism? Why has Karma decided so? But so it must be! And Russia must + first wash herself from the insult of revolution, purifying herself with + blood and death; and all people accepting Communism must perish with their + families in order that all their offspring may be rooted out!” + </p> + <p> + The Baron raised his hand above his head and shook it, as though he were + giving his orders and bequests to some invisible person. + </p> + <p> + Day was dawning. + </p> + <p> + “My time has come!” said the General. “In a little while I shall leave + Urga.” + </p> + <p> + He quickly and firmly shook hands with us and said: + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye for all time! I shall die a horrible death but the world has + never seen such a terror and such a sea of blood as it shall now see. . . + .” + </p> + <p> + The door of the yurta slammed shut and he was gone. I never saw him again. + </p> + <p> + “I must go also, for I am likewise leaving Urga today.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” answered the Prince, “the Baron has left you with me for some + purpose. I will give you a fourth companion, the Mongol Minister of War. + You will accompany him to your yurta. It is necessary for you. . . .” + </p> + <p> + Djam Bolon pronounced this last with an accent on every word. I did not + question him about it, as I was accustomed to the mystery of this country + of the mysteries of good and evil spirits. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + “THE MAN WITH A HEAD LIKE A SADDLE” + </h3> + <p> + After drinking tea at Djam Bolon’s yurta I rode back to my quarters and + packed my few belongings. The Lama Turgut was already there. + </p> + <p> + “The Minister of War will travel with us,” he whispered. “It is + necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” I answered, and rode off to Olufsen to summon him. But + Olufsen unexpectedly announced that he was forced to spend some few days + more in Urga—a fatal decision for him, for a month later he was + reported killed by Sepailoff who remained as Commandant of the city after + Baron Ungern’s departure. The War Minister, a stout, young Mongol, joined + our caravan. When we had gone about six miles from the city, we saw an + automobile coming up behind us. The Lama shrunk up inside his coat and + looked at me with fear. I felt the now familiar atmosphere of danger and + so opened my holster and threw over the safety catch of my revolver. Soon + the motor stopped alongside our caravan. In it sat Sepailoff with a + smiling face and beside him his two executioners, Chestiakoff and Jdanoff. + Sepailoff greeted us very warmly and asked: + </p> + <p> + “You are changing your horses in Khazahuduk? Does the road cross that pass + ahead? I don’t know the way and must overtake an envoy who went there.” + </p> + <p> + The Minister of War answered that we would be in Khazahuduk that evening + and gave Sepailoff directions as to the road. The motor rushed away and, + when it had topped the pass, he ordered one of the Mongols to gallop + forward to see whether it had not stopped somewhere near the other side. + The Mongol whipped his steed and sped away. We followed slowly. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” I asked. “Please explain!” + </p> + <p> + The Minister told me that Djam Bolon yesterday received information that + Sepailoff planned to overtake me on the way and kill me. Sepailoff + suspected that I had stirred up the Baron against him. Djam Bolon reported + the matter to the Baron, who organized this column for my safety. The + returning Mongol reported that the motor car had gone on out of sight. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the Minister, “we shall take quite another route so that the + Colonel will wait in vain for us at Khazahuduk.” + </p> + <p> + We turned north at Undur Dobo and at night were in the camp of a local + prince. Here we took leave of our Minister, received splendid fresh horses + and quickly continued our trip to the east, leaving behind us “the man + with the head like a saddle” against whom I had been warned by the old + fortune teller in the vicinity of Van Kure. + </p> + <p> + After twelve days without further adventures we reached the first railway + station on the Chinese Eastern Railway, from where I traveled in + unbelievable luxury to Peking. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Surrounded by the comforts and conveniences of the splendid hotel at + Peking, while shedding all the attributes of traveler, hunter and warrior, + I could not, however, throw off the spell of those nine days spent in + Urga, where I had daily met Baron Ungern, “Incarnated God of War.” The + newspapers carrying accounts of the bloody march of the Baron through + Transbaikalia brought the pictures ever fresh to my mind. Even now, + although more than seven months have elapsed, I cannot forget those nights + of madness, inspiration and hate. + </p> + <p> + The predictions are fulfilled. Approximately one hundred thirty days + afterwards Baron Ungern was captured by the Bolsheviki through the + treachery of his officers and, it is reported, was executed at the end of + September. + </p> + <p> + Baron R. F. Ungern von Sternberg. . . . Like a bloody storm of avenging + Karma he spread over Central Asia. What did he leave behind him? The + severe order to his soldiers closing with the words of the Revelations of + St. John: + </p> + <p> + “Let no one check the revenge against the corrupter and slayer of the soul + of the Russian people. Revolution must be eradicated from the World. + Against it the Revelations of St. John have warned us thus: ‘And the woman + was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious + stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations, + even the unclean things of her fornication, and upon her forehead a name + written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE + ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of + the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.’” + </p> + <p> + It is a human document, a document of Russian and, perhaps, of world + tragedy. + </p> + <p> + But there remained another and more important trace. In the Mongol yurtas + and at the fires of Buriat, Mongol, Djungar, Kirkhiz, Kalmuck and Tibetan + shepherds still speak the legend born of this son of crusaders and + privateers: + </p> + <p> + “From the north a white warrior came and called on the Mongols to break + their chains of slavery, which fell upon our freed soil. This white + warrior was the Incarnated Jenghiz Khan and he predicted the coming of the + greatest of all Mongols who will spread the fair faith of Buddha and the + glory and power of the offspring of Jenghiz, Ugadai and Kublai Khan. So it + shall be!” + </p> + <p> + Asia is awakened and her sons utter bold words. + </p> + <p> + It were well for the peace of the world if they go forth as disciples of + the wise creators, Ugadai and Sultan Baber, rather than under the spell of + the “bad demons” of the destructive Tamerlane. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART4" id="link2H_PART4"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Part IV + </h2> + <h3> + THE LIVING BUDDHA + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL + </h2> + <h3> + IN THE BLISSFUL GARDEN OF A THOUSAND JOYS + </h3> + <p> + In Mongolia, the country of miracles and mysteries, lives the custodian of + all the mysterious and unknown, the Living Buddha, His Holiness Djebtsung + Damba Hutuktu Khan or Bogdo Gheghen, Pontiff of Ta Kure. He is the + incarnation of the never-dying Buddha, the representative of the unbroken, + mysteriously continued line of spiritual emperors ruling since 1670, + concealing in themselves the ever refining spirit of Buddha Amitabha + joined with Chan-ra-zi or the “Compassionate Spirit of the Mountains.” In + him is everything, even the Sun Myth and the fascination of the mysterious + peaks of the Himalayas, tales of the Indian pagoda, the stern majesty of + the Mongolian Conquerors—Emperors of All Asia—and the ancient, + hazy legends of the Chinese sages; immersion in the thoughts of the + Brahmans; the severities of life of the monks of the “Virtuous Order”; the + vengeance of the eternally wandering warriors, the Olets, with their + Khans, Batur Hun Taigi and Gushi; the proud bequests of Jenghiz and Kublai + Khan; the clerical reactionary psychology of the Lamas; the mystery of + Tibetan kings beginning from Srong-Tsang Gampo; and the mercilessness of + the Yellow Sect of Paspa. All the hazy history of Asia, of Mongolia, + Pamir, Himalayas, Mesopotamia, Persia and China, surrounds the Living God + of Urga. It is little wonder that his name is honored along the Volga, in + Siberia, Arabia, between the Tigris and Euphrates, in Indo-China and on + the shores of the Arctic Ocean. + </p> + <p> + During my stay in Urga I visited the abode of the Living Buddha several + times, spoke with him and observed his life. His favorite learned Marambas + gave me long accounts of him. I saw him reading horoscopes, I heard his + predictions, I looked over his archives of ancient books and the + manuscripts containing the lives and predictions of all the Bogdo Khans. + The Lamas were very frank and open with me, because the letter of the + Hutuktu of Narabanchi won for me their confidence. + </p> + <p> + The personality of the Living Buddha is double, just as everything in + Lamaism is double. Clever, penetrating, energetic, he at the same time + indulges in the drunkenness which has brought on blindness. When he became + blind, the Lamas were thrown into a state of desperation. Some of them + maintained that Bogdo Khan must be poisoned and another Incarnate Buddha + set in his place; while the others pointed out the great merits of the + Pontiff in the eyes of Mongolians and the followers of the Yellow Faith. + They finally decided to propitiate the gods by building a great temple + with a gigantic statue of Buddha. However, this did not help the Bogdo’s + sight but the whole incident gave him the opportunity of hurrying on to + their higher life those among the Lamas who had shown too much radicalism + in their proposed method of solving his problem. + </p> + <p> + He never ceases to ponder upon the cause of the church and of Mongolia and + at the same time likes to indulge himself with useless trifles. He amuses + himself with artillery. A retired Russian officer presented him with two + old guns, for which the donor received the title of Tumbaiir Hun, that is, + “Prince Dear-to-my-Heart.” On holidays these cannon were fired to the + great amusement of the blind man. Motorcars, gramophones, telephones, + crystals, porcelains, pictures, perfumes, musical instruments, rare + animals and birds; elephants, Himalayan bears, monkeys, Indian snakes and + parrots—all these were in the palace of “the god” but all were soon + cast aside and forgotten. + </p> + <p> + To Urga come pilgrims and presents from all the Lamaite and Buddhist + world. Once the treasurer of the palace, the Honorable Balma Dorji, took + me into the great hall where the presents were kept. It was a most unique + museum of precious articles. Here were gathered together rare objects + unknown to the museums of Europe. The treasurer, as he opened a case with + a silver lock, said to me: + </p> + <p> + “These are pure gold nuggets from Bei Kem; here are black sables from + Kemchick; these the miraculous deer horns; this a box sent by the Orochons + and filled with precious ginseng roots and fragrant musk; this a bit of + amber from the coast of the ‘frozen sea’ and it weighs 124 lans (about ten + pounds); these are precious stones from India, fragrant zebet and carved + ivory from China.” + </p> + <p> + He showed the exhibits and talked of them for a long time and evidently + enjoyed the telling. And really it was wonderful! Before my eyes lay the + bundles of rare furs; white beaver, black sables, white, blue and black + fox and black panthers; small beautifully carved tortoise shell boxes + containing hatyks ten or fifteen yards long, woven from Indian silk as + fine as the webs of the spider; small bags made of golden thread filled + with pearls, the presents of Indian Rajahs; precious rings with sapphires + and rubies from China and India; big pieces of jade, rough diamonds; ivory + tusks ornamented with gold, pearls and precious stones; bright clothes + sewn with gold and silver thread; walrus tusks carved in bas-relief by the + primitive artists on the shores of the Behring Sea; and much more that one + cannot recall or recount. In a separate room stood the cases with the + statues of Buddha, made of gold, silver, bronze, ivory, coral, mother of + pearl and from a rare colored and fragrant species of wood. + </p> + <p> + “You know when conquerors come into a country where the gods are honored, + they break the images and throw them down. So it was more than three + hundred years ago when the Kalmucks went into Tibet and the same was + repeated in Peking when the European troops looted the place in 1900. But + do you know why this is done? Take one of the statues and examine it.” + </p> + <p> + I picked up one nearest the edge, a wooden Buddha, and began examining it. + Inside something was loose and rattled. + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear it?” the Lama asked. “These are precious stones and bits of + gold, the entrails of the god. This is the reason why the conquerors at + once break up the statues of the gods. Many famous precious stones have + appeared from the interior of the statues of the gods in India, Babylon + and China.” + </p> + <p> + Some rooms were devoted to the library, where manuscripts and volumes of + different epochs in different languages and with many diverse themes fill + the shelves. Some of them are mouldering or pulverizing away and the Lamas + cover these now with a solution which partially solidifies like a jelly to + protect what remains from the ravages of the air. There also we saw + tablets of clay with the cuneiform inscriptions, evidently from Babylonia; + Chinese, Indian and Tibetan books shelved beside those of Mongolia; tomes + of the ancient pure Buddhism; books of the “Red Caps” or corrupt Buddhism; + books of the “Yellow” or Lamaite Buddhism; books of traditions, legends + and parables. Groups of Lamas were perusing, studying and copying these + books, preserving and spreading the ancient wisdom for their successors. + </p> + <p> + One department is devoted to the mysterious books on magic, the historical + lives and works of all the thirty-one Living Buddhas, with the bulls of + the Dalai Lama, of the Pontiff from Tashi Lumpo, of the Hutuktu of Utai in + China, of the Pandita Gheghen of Dolo Nor in Inner Mongolia and of the + Hundred Chinese Wise Men. Only the Bogdo Hutuktu and Maramba Ta-Rimpo-Cha + can enter this room of mysterious lore. The keys to it rest with the seals + of the Living Buddha and the ruby ring of Jenghiz Khan ornamented with the + sign of the swastika in the chest in the private study of the Bogdo. + </p> + <p> + The person of His Holiness is surrounded by five thousand Lamas. They are + divided into many ranks from simple servants to the “Councillors of God,” + of which latter the Government consists. Among these Councillors are all + the four Khans of Mongolia and the five highest Princes. + </p> + <p> + Of all the Lamas there are three classes of peculiar interest, about which + the Living Buddha himself told me when I visited him with Djam Bolon. + </p> + <p> + “The God” sorrowfully mourned over the demoralized and sumptuous life led + by the Lamas which decreased rapidly the number of fortune tellers and + clairvoyants among their ranks, saying of it: + </p> + <p> + “If the Jahantsi and Narabanchi monasteries had not preserved their strict + regime and rules, Ta Kure would have been left without prophets and + fortune tellers. Barun Abaga Nar, Dorchiul-Jurdok and the other holy Lamas + who had the power of seeing that which is hidden from the sight of the + common people have gone with the blessing of the gods.” + </p> + <p> + This class of Lamas is a very important one, because every important + personage visiting the monasteries at Urga is shown to the Lama Tzuren or + fortune teller without the knowledge of the visitor for the study of his + destiny and fate, which are then communicated to the Bogdo Hutuktu, so + that with these facts in his possession the Bogdo knows in what way to + treat his guest and what policy to follow toward him. The Tzurens are + mostly old men, skinny, exhausted and severe ascetics. But I have met some + who were young, almost boys. They were the Hubilgan, “incarnate gods,” the + future Hutuktus and Gheghens of the various Mongolian monasteries. + </p> + <p> + The second class is the doctors or “Ta Lama.” They observe the actions of + plants and certain products from animals upon people, preserve Tibetan + medicines and cures, and study anatomy very carefully but without making + use of vivisection and the scalpel. They are skilful bone setters, + masseurs and great connoisseurs of hypnotism and animal magnetism. + </p> + <p> + The third class is the highest rank of doctors, consisting chiefly of + Tibetans and Kalmucks—poisoners. They may be said to be “doctors of + political medicine.” They live by themselves, apart from any associates, + and are the great silent weapon in the hands of the Living Buddha. I was + informed that a large portion of them are dumb. I saw one such doctor,—the + very person who poisoned the Chinese physician sent by the Chinese Emperor + from Peking to “liquidate” the Living Buddha,—a small white old + fellow with a deeply wrinkled face, a curl of white hairs on his chin and + with vivacious eyes that were ever shifting inquiringly about him. + Whenever he comes to a monastery, the local “god” ceases to eat and drink + in fear of the activities of this Mongolian Locusta. But even this cannot + save the condemned, for a poisoned cap or shirt or boots, or a rosary, a + bridle, books or religious articles soaked in a poisonous solution will + surely accomplish the object of the Bogdo-Khan. + </p> + <p> + The deepest esteem and religious faithfulness surround the blind Pontiff. + Before him all fall on their faces. Khans and Hutuktus approach him on + their knees. Everything about him is dark, full of Oriental antiquity. The + drunken blind man, listening to the banal arias of the gramophone or + shaking his servants with an electric current from his dynamo, the + ferocious old fellow poisoning his political enemies, the Lama keeping his + people in darkness and deceiving them with his prophecies and fortune + telling,—he is, however, not an entirely ordinary man. + </p> + <p> + One day we sat in the room of the Bogdo and Prince Djam Bolon translated + to him my story of the Great War. The old fellow was listening very + carefully but suddenly opened his eyes widely and began to give attention + to some sounds coming in from outside the room. His face became reverent, + supplicant and frightened. + </p> + <p> + “The Gods call me,” he whispered and slowly moved into his private shrine, + where he prayed loudly about two hours, kneeling immobile as a statue. His + prayer consists of conversation with the invisible gods, to whose + questions he himself gave the answers. He came out of the shrine pale and + exhausted but pleased and happy. It was his personal prayer. During the + regular temple service he did not participate in the prayers, for then he + is “God.” Sitting on his throne, he is carried and placed on the altar and + there prayed to by the Lamas and the people. He only receives the prayers, + hopes, tears, woe and desperation of the people, immobilely gazing into + space with his sharp and bright but blind eyes. At various times in the + service the Lamas robe him in different vestments, combinations of yellow + and red, and change his caps. The service always finishes at the solemn + moment when the Living Buddha with the tiara on his head pronounces the + pontifical blessing upon the congregation, turning his face to all four + cardinal points of the compass and finally stretching out his hands toward + the northwest, that is, to Europe, whither in the belief of the Yellow + Faith must travel the teachings of the wise Buddha. + </p> + <p> + After earnest prayers or long temple services the Pontiff seems very + deeply shaken and often calls his secretaries and dictates his visions and + prophecies, always very complicated and unaccompanied by his deductions. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes with the words “Their souls are communicating,” he puts on his + white robes and goes to pray in his shrine. Then all the gates of the + palace are shut and all the Lamas are sunk in solemn, mystic fear; all are + praying, telling their rosaries and whispering the orison: “Om! Mani padme + Hung!” or turning the prayer wheels with their prayers or exorcisings; the + fortune tellers read their horoscopes; the clairvoyants write out their + visions; while Marambas search the ancient books for explanations of the + words of the Living Buddha. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI + </h2> + <h3> + THE DUST OF CENTURIES + </h3> + <p> + Have you ever seen the dusty cobwebs and the mould in the cellars of some + ancient castle in Italy, France or England? This is the dust of centuries. + Perhaps it touched the faces, helmets and swords of a Roman Augustus, St. + Louis, the Inquisitor, Galileo or King Richard. Your heart is + involuntarily contracted and you feel a respect for these witnesses of + elapsed ages. This same impression came to me in Ta Kure, perhaps more + deep, more realistic. Here life flows on almost as it flowed eight + centuries ago; here man lives only in the past; and the contemporary only + complicates and prevents the normal life. + </p> + <p> + “Today is a great day,” the Living Buddha once said to me, “the day of the + victory of Buddhism over all other religions. It was a long time ago—on + this day Kublai Khan called to him the Lamas of all religions and ordered + them to state to him how and what they believed. They praised their Gods + and their Hutuktus. Discussions and quarrels began. Only one Lama remained + silent. At last he mockingly smiled and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Great Emperor! Order each to prove the power of his Gods by the + performance of a miracle and afterwards judge and choose.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kublai Khan so ordered all the Lamas to show him a miracle but all were + silent, confused and powerless before him. + </p> + <p> + “‘Now,’ said the Emperor, addressing the Lama who had tendered this + suggestion, ‘now you must prove the power of your Gods!’ + </p> + <p> + “The Lama looked long and silently at the Emperor, turned and gazed at the + whole assembly and then quietly stretched out his hand toward them. At + this instant the golden goblet of the Emperor raised itself from the table + and tipped before the lips of the Khan without a visible hand supporting + it. The Emperor felt the delight of a fragrant wine. All were struck with + astonishment and the Emperor spoke: + </p> + <p> + “‘I elect to pray to your Gods and to them all people subject to me must + pray. What is your faith? Who are you and from where do you come?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘My faith is the teaching of the wise Buddha. I am Pandita Lama, Turjo + Gamba, from the distant and glorious monastery of Sakkia in Tibet, where + dwells incarnate in a human body the Spirit of Buddha, his Wisdom and his + Power. Remember, Emperor, that the peoples who hold our faith shall + possess all the Western Universe and during eight hundred and eleven years + shall spread their faith throughout the whole world.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus it happened on this same day many centuries ago! Lama Turjo Gamba + did not return to Tibet but lived here in Ta Kure, where there was then + only a small temple. From here he traveled to the Emperor at Karakorum and + afterwards with him to the capital of China to fortify him in the Faith, + to predict the fate of state affairs and to enlighten him according to the + will of God.” + </p> + <p> + The Living Buddha was silent for a time, whispered a prayer and then + continued: + </p> + <p> + “Urga, the ancient nest of Buddhism. . . . With Jenghiz Khan on his + European conquest went out the Olets or Kalmucks. They remained there + almost four hundred years, living on the plains of Russia. Then they + returned to Mongolia because the Yellow Lamas called them to light against + the Kings of Tibet, Lamas of the ‘red caps,’ who were oppressing the + people. The Kalmucks helped the Yellow Faith but they realized that Lhasa + was too distant from the whole world and could not spread our Faith + throughout the earth. Consequently the Kalmuck Gushi Khan brought up from + Tibet a holy Lama, Undur Gheghen, who had visited the ‘King of the World.’ + From that day the Bogdo Gheghen has continuously lived in Urga, a + protector of the freedom of Mongolia and of the Chinese Emperors of + Mongolian origin. Undur Gheghen was the first Living Buddha in the land of + the Mongols. He left to us, his successors, the ring of Jenghiz Khan, + which was sent by Kublai Khan to Dalai Lama in return for the miracle + shown by the Lama Turjo Gamba; also the top of the skull of a black, + mysterious miracle worker from India, using which as a bowl, Strongtsan, + King of Tibet, drank during the temple ceremonies one thousand six hundred + years ago; as well as an ancient stone statue of Buddha brought from Delhi + by the founder of the Yellow Faith, Paspa.” + </p> + <p> + The Bogdo clapped his hands and one of the secretaries took from a red + kerchief a big silver key with which he unlocked the chest with the seals. + The Living Buddha slipped his hand into the chest and drew forth a small + box of carved ivory, from which he took out and showed to me a large gold + ring set with a magnificent ruby carved with the sign of the swastika. + </p> + <p> + “This ring was always worn on the right hand of the Khans Jenghiz and + Kublai,” said the Bogdo. + </p> + <p> + When the secretary had closed the chest, the Bogdo ordered him to summon + his favorite Maramba, whom he directed to read some pages from an ancient + book lying on the table. The Lama began to read monotonously. + </p> + <p> + “When Gushi Khan, the Chief of all the Olets or Kalmucks, finished the war + with the ‘Red Caps’ in Tibet, he carried out with him the miraculous + ‘black stone’ sent to the Dalai Lama by the ‘King of the World.’ Gushi + Khan wanted to create in Western Mongolia the capital of the Yellow Faith; + but the Olets at that time were at war with the Manchu Emperors for the + throne of China and suffered one defeat after another. The last Khan of + the Olets, Amursana, ran away into Russia but before his escape sent to + Urga the sacred ‘black stone.’ While it remained in Urga so that the + Living Buddha could bless the people with it, disease and misfortune never + touched the Mongolians and their cattle. About one hundred years ago, + however, some one stole the sacred stone and since then Buddhists have + vainly sought it throughout the whole world. With its disappearance the + Mongol people began gradually to die.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough!” ordered Bogdo Gheghen. “Our neighbors hold us in contempt. They + forget that we were their sovereigns but we preserve our holy traditions + and we know that the day of triumph of the Mongolian tribes and the Yellow + Faith will come. We have the Protectors of the Faith, the Buriats. They + are the truest guardians of the bequests of Jenghiz Khan.” + </p> + <p> + So spoke the Living Buddha and so have spoken the ancient books! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII + </h2> + <h3> + THE BOOKS OF MIRACLES + </h3> + <p> + Prince Djam Bolon asked a Maramba to show us the library of the Living + Buddha. It is a big room occupied by scores of writers who prepare the + works dealing with the miracles of all the Living Buddhas, beginning with + Undur Gheghen and ending with those of the Gheghens and Hutuktus of the + different Mongol monasteries. These books are afterwards distributed + through all the Lama Monasteries, temples and schools of Bandi. A Maramba + read two selections: + </p> + <p> + “. . . The beatific Bogdo Gheghen breathed on a mirror. Immediately as + through a haze there appeared the picture of a valley in which many + thousands of thousands of warriors fought one against another. . . .” + </p> + <p> + “The wise and favored-of-the-gods Living Buddha burned incense in a + brazier and prayed to the Gods to reveal the lot of the Princes. In the + blue smoke all saw a dark prison and the pallid, tortured bodies of the + dead Princes. . . .” + </p> + <p> + A special book, already done into thousands of copies, dwelt upon the + miracles of the present Living Buddha. Prince Djam Bolon described to me + some of the contents of this volume. + </p> + <p> + “There exists an ancient wooden Buddha with open eyes. He was brought here + from India and Bogdo Gheghen placed him on the altar and began to pray. + When he returned from the shrine, he ordered the statue of Buddha brought + out. All were struck with amazement, for the eyes of the God were shut and + tears were falling from them; from the wooden body green sprouts appeared; + and the Bogdo said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Woe and joy are awaiting me. I shall become blind but Mongolia will be + free.’ + </p> + <p> + “The prophecy is fulfilled. At another time, on a day when the Living + Buddha was very much excited, he ordered a basin of water brought and set + before the altar. He called the Lamas and began to pray. Suddenly the + altar candles and lamps lighted themselves and the water in the basin + became iridescent.” + </p> + <p> + Afterwards the Prince described to me how the Bogdo Khan tells fortunes + with fresh blood, upon whose surface appear words and pictures; with the + entrails of sheep and goats, according to whose distribution the Bogdo + reads the fate of the Princes and knows their thoughts; with stones and + bones from which the Living Buddha with great accuracy reads the lot of + all men; and by the stars, in accordance with whose positions the Bogdo + prepares amulets against bullets and disease. + </p> + <p> + “The former Bogdo Khans told fortunes only by the use of the ‘black + stone,’” said the Maramba. “On the surface of the stone appeared Tibetan + inscriptions which the Bogdo read and thus learned the lot of whole + nations.” + </p> + <p> + When the Maramba spoke of the black stone with the Tibetan legends + appearing on it, I at once recalled that it was possible. In southeastern + Urianhai, in Ulan Taiga, I came across a place where black slate was + decomposing. All the pieces of this slate were covered with a special + white lichen, which formed very complicated designs, reminding me of a + Venetian lace pattern or whole pages of mysterious runes. When the slate + was wet, these designs disappeared; and then, as they were dried, the + patterns came out again. + </p> + <p> + Nobody has the right or dares to ask the Living Buddha to tell his + fortune. He predicts only when he feels the inspiration or when a special + delegate comes to him bearing a request for it from the Dalai Lama or the + Tashi Lama. When the Russian Czar, Alexander I, fell under the influence + of Baroness Kzudener and of her extreme mysticism, he despatched a special + envoy to the Living Buddha to ask about his destiny. The then Bogdo Khan, + quite a young man, told his fortune according to the “black stone” and + predicted that the White Czar would finish his life in very painful + wanderings unknown to all and everywhere pursued. In Russia today there + exists a popular belief that Alexander I spent the last days of his life + as a wanderer throughout Russia and Siberia under the pseudonym of Feodor + Kusmitch, helping and consoling prisoners, beggars and other suffering + people, often pursued and imprisoned by the police and finally dying at + Tomsk in Siberia, where even until now they have preserved the house where + he spent his last days and have kept his grave sacred, a place of + pilgrimages and miracles. The former dynasty of Romanoff was deeply + interested in the biography of Feodor Kusmitch and this interest fixed the + opinion that Kusmitch was really the Czar Alexander I, who had voluntarily + taken upon himself this severe penance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII + </h2> + <h3> + THE BIRTH OF THE LIVING BUDDHA + </h3> + <p> + The Living Buddha does not die. His soul sometimes passes into that of a + child born on the day of his death and sometimes transfers itself to + another being during the life of the Buddha. This new mortal dwelling of + the sacred spirit of the Buddha almost always appears in the yurta of some + poor Tibetan or Mongol family. There is a reason of policy for this. If + the Buddha appears in the family of a rich prince, it could result in the + elevation of a family that would not yield obedience to the clergy (and + such has happened in the past), while on the other hand any poor, unknown + family that becomes the heritor of the throne of Jenghiz Khan acquires + riches and is readily submissive to the Lamas. Only three or four Living + Buddhas were of purely Mongolian origin; the remainder were Tibetans. + </p> + <p> + One of the Councillors of the Living Buddha, Lama-Khan Jassaktu, told me + the following: + </p> + <p> + “In the monasteries at Lhasa and Tashi Lumpo they are kept constantly + informed through letters from Urga about the health of the Living Buddha. + When his human body becomes old and the Spirit of Buddha strives to + extricate itself, special solemn services begin in the Tibetan temples + together with the telling of fortunes by astrology. These rites indicate + the specially pious Lamas who must discover where the Spirit of the Buddha + will be re-incarnated. For this purpose they travel throughout the whole + land and observe. Often God himself gives them signs and indications. + Sometimes the white wolf appears near the yurta of a poor shepherd or a + lamb with two heads is born or a meteor falls from the sky. Some Lamas + take fish from the sacred lake Tangri Nor and read on the scales thereof + the name of the new Bogdo Khan; others pick out stones whose cracks + indicate to them where they must search and whom they must find; while + others secrete themselves in narrow mountain ravines to listen to the + voices of the spirits of the mountains, pronouncing the name of the new + choice of the Gods. When he is found, all the possible information about + his family is secretly collected and presented to the Most Learned Tashi + Lama, having the name of Erdeni, “The Great Gem of Learning,” who, + according to the runes of Rama, verifies the selection. If he is in + agreement with it, he sends a secret letter to the Dalai Lama, who holds a + special sacrifice in the Temple of the ‘Spirit of the Mountains’ and + confirms the election by putting his great seal on this letter of the + Tashi Lama. + </p> + <p> + “If the old Living Buddha be still alive, the name of his successor is + kept a deep secret; if the Spirit of Buddha has already gone out from the + body of Bogdo Khan, a special legation appears from Tibet with the new + Living Buddha. The same process accompanies the election of the Gheghen + and Hutuktus in all the Lamaite monasteries in Mongolia; but confirmation + of the election resides with the Living Buddha and is only announced to + Lhasa after the event.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV + </h2> + <h3> + A PAGE IN THE HISTORY OF THE PRESENT LIVING BUDDHA + </h3> + <p> + The present Bogdo Khan of Outer Mongolia is a Tibetan. He sprang from a + poor family living in the neighborhood of Sakkia Kure in western Tibet. + From earliest youth he had a stormy, quite unaesthetic nature. He was + fired with the idea of the independence and glorification of Mongolia and + the successors of Jenghiz Khan. This gave him at once a great influence + among the Lamas, Princes and Khans of Mongolia and also with the Russian + Government which always tried to attract him to their side. He did not + fear to arraign himself against the Manchu dynasty in China and always had + the help of Russia, Tibet, the Buriats and Kirghiz, furnishing him with + money, weapons, warriors and diplomatic aid. The Chinese Emperors avoided + open war with the Living God, because it might arouse the protests of the + Chinese Buddhists. At one time they sent to the Bogdo Khan a skilful + doctor-poisoner. The Living Buddha, however, at once understood the + meaning of this medical attention and, knowing the power of Asiatic + poisons, decided to make a journey through the Mongol monasteries and + through Tibet. As his substitute he left a Hubilgan who made friends with + the Chinese doctor and inquired from him the purposes and details of his + arrival. Very soon the Chinese died from some unknown cause and the Living + Buddha returned to his comfortable capital. + </p> + <p> + On another occasion danger threatened the Living God. It was when Lhasa + decided that the Bogdo Khan was carrying out a policy too independent of + Tibet. The Dalai Lama began negotiations with several Khans and Princes + with the Sain Noion Khan and Jassaktu Khan leading the movement and + persuaded them to accelerate the immigration of the Spirit of Buddha into + another human form. They came to Urga where the Bogdo Khan met them with + honors and rejoicings. A great feast was made for them and the + conspirators already felt themselves the accomplishers of the orders of + the Dalai Lama. However, at the end of the feast, they had different + feelings and died with them during the night. The Living Buddha ordered + their bodies sent with full honors to their families. + </p> + <p> + The Bogdo Khan knows every thought, every movement of the Princes and + Khans, the slightest conspiracy against himself, and the offender is + usually kindly invited to Urga, from where he does not return alive. + </p> + <p> + The Chinese Government decided to terminate the line of the Living + Buddhas. Ceasing to fight with the Pontiff of Urga, the Government + contrived the following scheme for accomplishing its ends. + </p> + <p> + Peking invited the Pandita Gheghen from Dolo Nor and the head of the + Chinese Lamaites, the Hutuktu of Utai, both of whom do not recognize the + supremacy of the Living Buddha, to come to the capital. They decided, + after consulting the old Buddhistic books, that the present Bogdo Khan was + to be the last Living Buddha, because that part of the Spirit of Buddha + which dwells in the Bogdo Khans can abide only thirty-one times in the + human body. Bogdo Khan is the thirty-first Incarnated Buddha from the time + of Undur Gheghen and with him, therefore, the dynasty of the Urga Pontiffs + must cease. However, on hearing this the Bogdo Khan himself did some + research work and found in the old Tibetan manuscripts that one of the + Tibetan Pontiffs was married and his son was a natural Incarnated Buddha. + So the Bogdo Khan married and now has a son, a very capable and energetic + young man, and thus the religious throne of Jenghiz Khan will not be left + empty. The dynasty of the Chinese emperors disappeared from the stage of + political events but the Living Buddha continues to be a center for the + Pan-Asiatic idea. + </p> + <p> + The new Chinese Government in 1920 held the Living Buddha under arrest in + his palace but at the beginning of 1921 Baron Ungern crossed the sacred + Bogdo-Ol and approached the palace from the rear. Tibetan riders shot the + Chinese sentries with bow and arrow and afterwards the Mongols penetrated + into the palace and stole their “God,” who immediately stirred up all + Mongolia and awakened the hopes of the Asiatic peoples and tribes. + </p> + <p> + In the great palace of the Bogdo a Lama showed me a special casket covered + with a precious carpet, wherein they keep the bulls of the Dalai and Tashi + Lamas, the decrees of the Russian and Chinese Emperors and the Treaties + between Mongolia, Russia, China and Tibet. In this same casket is the + copper plate bearing the mysterious sign of the “King of the World” and + the chronicle of the last vision of the Living Buddha. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV + </h2> + <h3> + THE VISION OF THE LIVING BUDDHA OF MAY 17, 1921 + </h3> + <p> + “I prayed and saw that which is hidden from the eyes of the people. A vast + plain was spread before me surrounded by distant mountains. An old Lama + carried a basket filled with heavy stones. He hardly moved. From the north + a rider appeared in white robes and mounted on a white horse. He + approached the Lama and said to him: + </p> + <p> + “‘Give me your basket. I shall help you to carry them to the Kure.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Lama handed his heavy burden up to him but the rider could not raise + it to his saddle so that the old Lama had to place it back on his shoulder + and continue on his way, bent under its heavy weight. Then from the north + came another rider in black robes and on a black horse, who also + approached the Lama and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Stupid! Why do you carry these stones when they are everywhere about the + ground?’ + </p> + <p> + “With these words he pushed the Lama over with the breast of his horse and + scattered the stones about the ground. When the stones touched the earth, + they became diamonds. All three rushed to raise them but not one of them + could break them loose from the ground. Then the old Lama exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “‘Oh Gods! All my life I have carried this heavy burden and now, when + there was left so little to go, I have lost it. Help me, great, good + Gods!’ + </p> + <p> + “Suddenly a tottering old man appeared. He collected all the diamonds into + the basket without trouble, cleaned the dust from them, raised the burden + to his shoulder and started out, speaking with the Lama: + </p> + <p> + “‘Rest a while, I have just carried my burden to the goal and I am glad to + help you with yours.’ + </p> + <p> + “They went on and were soon out of sight, while the riders began to fight. + They fought one whole day and then the whole night and, when the sun rose + over the plain, neither was there, either alive or dead, and no trace of + either remained. This I saw, Bogdo Hutuktu Khan, speaking with the Great + and Wise Buddha, surrounded by the good and bad demons! Wise Lamas, + Hutuktus, Kampos, Marambas and Holy Gheghens, give the answer to my + vision!” + </p> + <p> + This was written in my presence on May 17th, 1921, from the words of the + Living Buddha just as he came out of his private shrine to his study. I do + not know what the Hutuktu and Gheghens, the fortune tellers, sorcerers and + clairvoyants replied to him; but does not the answer seem clear, if one + realizes the present situation in Asia? + </p> + <p> + Awakened Asia is full of enigmas but it is also full of answers to the + questions set by the destiny of humankind. This great continent of + mysterious Pontiffs, Living Gods, Mahatmas and readers of the terrible + book of Karma is awakening and the ocean of hundreds of millions of human + lives is lashed with monstrous waves. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART5" id="link2H_PART5"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Part V + </h2> + <h3> + MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES—THE KING OF THE WORLD + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI + </h2> + <h3> + THE SUBTERRANEAN KINGDOM + </h3> + <p> + “Stop!” whispered my old Mongol guide, as we were one day crossing the + plain near Tzagan Luk. “Stop!” + </p> + <p> + He slipped from his camel which lay down without his bidding. The Mongol + raised his hands in prayer before his face and began to repeat the sacred + phrase: “Om! Mani padme Hung!” The other Mongols immediately stopped their + camels and began to pray. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened?” I thought, as I gazed round over the tender green + grass, up to the cloudless sky and out toward the dreamy soft rays of the + evening sun. + </p> + <p> + The Mongols prayed for some time, whispered among themselves and, after + tightening up the packs on the camels, moved on. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see,” asked the Mongol, “how our camels moved their ears in fear? + How the herd of horses on the plain stood fixed in attention and how the + herds of sheep and cattle lay crouched close to the ground? Did you notice + that the birds did not fly, the marmots did not run and the dogs did not + bark? The air trembled softly and bore from afar the music of a song which + penetrated to the hearts of men, animals and birds alike. Earth and sky + ceased breathing. The wind did not blow and the sun did not move. At such + a moment the wolf that is stealing up on the sheep arrests his stealthy + crawl; the frightened herd of antelopes suddenly checks its wild course; + the knife of the shepherd cutting the sheep’s throat falls from his hand; + the rapacious ermine ceases to stalk the unsuspecting salga. All living + beings in fear are involuntarily thrown into prayer and waiting for their + fate. So it was just now. Thus it has always been whenever the King of the + World in his subterranean palace prays and searches out the destiny of all + peoples on the earth.” + </p> + <p> + In this wise the old Mongol, a simple, coarse shepherd and hunter, spoke + to me. + </p> + <p> + Mongolia with her nude and terrible mountains, her limitless plains, + covered with the widely strewn bones of the forefathers, gave birth to + Mystery. Her people, frightened by the stormy passions of Nature or lulled + by her deathlike peace, feel her mystery. Her “Red” and “Yellow Lamas” + preserve and poetize her mystery. The Pontiffs of Lhasa and Urga know and + possess her mystery. + </p> + <p> + On my journey into Central Asia I came to know for the first time about + “the Mystery of Mysteries,” which I can call by no other name. At the + outset I did not pay much attention to it and did not attach to it such + importance as I afterwards realized belonged to it, when I had analyzed + and connoted many sporadic, hazy and often controversial bits of evidence. + </p> + <p> + The old people on the shore of the River Amyl related to me an ancient + legend to the effect that a certain Mongolian tribe in their escape from + the demands of Jenghiz Khan hid themselves in a subterranean country. + Afterwards a Soyot from near the Lake of Nogan Kul showed me the smoking + gate that serves as the entrance to the “Kingdom of Agharti.” Through this + gate a hunter formerly entered into the Kingdom and, after his return, + began to relate what he had seen there. The Lamas cut out his tongue in + order to prevent him from telling about the Mystery of Mysteries. When he + arrived at old age, he came back to the entrance of this cave and + disappeared into the subterranean kingdom, the memory of which had + ornamented and lightened his nomad heart. + </p> + <p> + I received more realistic information about this from Hutuktu Jelyb + Djamsrap in Narabanchi Kure. He told me the story of the semi-realistic + arrival of the powerful King of the World from the subterranean kingdom, + of his appearance, of his miracles and of his prophecies; and only then + did I begin to understand that in that legend, hypnosis or mass vision, + whichever it may be, is hidden not only mystery but a realistic and + powerful force capable of influencing the course of the political life of + Asia. From that moment I began making some investigations. + </p> + <p> + The favorite Gelong Lama of Prince Chultun Beyli and the Prince himself + gave me an account of the subterranean kingdom. + </p> + <p> + “Everything in the world,” said the Gelong, “is constantly in a state of + change and transition—peoples science, religions, laws and customs. + How many great empires and brilliant cultures have perished! And that + alone which remains unchanged is Evil, the tool of Bad Spirits. More than + sixty thousand years ago a Holyman disappeared with a whole tribe of + people under the ground and never appeared again on the surface of the + earth. Many people, however, have since visited this kingdom, Sakkia + Mouni, Undur Gheghen, Paspa, Khan Baber and others. No one knows where + this place is. One says Afghanistan, others India. All the people there + are protected against Evil and crimes do not exist within its bournes. + Science has there developed calmly and nothing is threatened with + destruction. The subterranean people have reached the highest knowledge. + Now it is a large kingdom, millions of men with the King of the World as + their ruler. He knows all the forces of the world and reads all the souls + of humankind and the great book of their destiny. Invisibly he rules eight + hundred million men on the surface of the earth and they will accomplish + his every order.” + </p> + <p> + Prince Chultun Beyli added: “This kingdom is Agharti. It extends + throughout all the subterranean passages of the whole world. I heard a + learned Lama of China relating to Bogdo Khan that all the subterranean + caves of America are inhabited by the ancient people who have disappeared + underground. Traces of them are still found on the surface of the land. + These subterranean peoples and spaces are governed by rulers owing + allegiance to the King of the World. In it there is not much of the + wonderful. You know that in the two greatest oceans of the east and the + west there were formerly two continents. They disappeared under the water + but their people went into the subterranean kingdom. In underground caves + there exists a peculiar light which affords growth to the grains and + vegetables and long life without disease to the people. There are many + different peoples and many different tribes. An old Buddhist Brahman in + Nepal was carrying out the will of the Gods in making a visit to the + ancient kingdom of Jenghiz,—Siam,—where he met a fisherman who + ordered him to take a place in his boat and sail with him upon the sea. On + the third day they reached an island where he met a people having two + tongues which could speak separately in different languages. They showed + to him peculiar, unfamiliar animals, tortoises with sixteen feet and one + eye, huge snakes with a very tasty flesh and birds with teeth which caught + fish for their masters in the sea. These people told him that they had + come up out of the subterranean kingdom and described to him certain parts + of the underground country.” + </p> + <p> + The Lama Turgut traveling with me from Urga to Peking gave me further + details. + </p> + <p> + “The capital of Agharti is surrounded with towns of high priests and + scientists. It reminds one of Lhasa where the palace of the Dalai Lama, + the Potala, is the top of a mountain covered with monasteries and temples. + The throne of the King of the World is surrounded by millions of + incarnated Gods. They are the Holy Panditas. The palace itself is + encircled by the palaces of the Goro, who possess all the visible and + invisible forces of the earth, of inferno and of the sky and who can do + everything for the life and death of man. If our mad humankind should + begin a war against them, they would be able to explode the whole surface + of our planet and transform it into deserts. They can dry up the seas, + transform lands into oceans and scatter the mountains into the sands of + the deserts. By his order trees, grasses and bushes can be made to grow; + old and feeble men can become young and stalwart; and the dead can be + resurrected. In cars strange and unknown to us they rush through the + narrow cleavages inside our planet. Some Indian Brahmans and Tibetan Dalai + Lamas during their laborious struggles to the peaks of mountains which no + other human feet had trod have found there inscriptions carved on the + rocks, footprints in the snow and the tracks of wheels. The blissful + Sakkia Mouni found on one mountain top tablets of stone carrying words + which he only understood in his old age and afterwards penetrated into the + Kingdom of Agharti, from which he brought back crumbs of the sacred + learning preserved in his memory. There in palaces of wonderful crystal + live the invisible rulers of all pious people, the King of the World or + Brahytma, who can speak with God as I speak with you, and his two + assistants, Mahytma, knowing the purposes of future events, and Mahynga, + ruling the causes of these events.” + </p> + <p> + “The Holy Panditas study the world and all its forces. Sometimes the most + learned among them collect together and send envoys to that place where + the human eyes have never penetrated. This is described by the Tashi Lama + living eight hundred and fifty years ago. The highest Panditas place their + hands on their eyes and at the base of the brain of younger ones and force + them into a deep sleep, wash their bodies with an infusion of grass and + make them immune to pain and harder than stones, wrap them in magic + cloths, bind them and then pray to the Great God. The petrified youths lie + with eyes and ears open and alert, seeing, hearing and remembering + everything. Afterwards a Goro approaches and fastens a long, steady gaze + upon them. Very slowly the bodies lift themselves from the earth and + disappear. The Goro sits and stares with fixed eyes to the place whither + he has sent them. Invisible threads join them to his will. Some of them + course among the stars, observe their events, their unknown peoples, their + life and their laws. They listen to their talk, read their books, + understand their fortunes and woes, their holiness and sins, their piety + and evil. Some are mingled with flame and see the creature of fire, quick + and ferocious, eternally fighting, melting and hammering metals in the + depths of planets, boiling the water for geysers and springs, melting the + rocks and pushing out molten streams over the surface of the earth through + the holes in the mountains. Others rush together with the ever elusive, + infinitesimally small, transparent creatures of the air and penetrate into + the mysteries of their existence and into the purposes of their life. + Others slip into the depths of the seas and observe the kingdom of the + wise creatures of the water, who transport and spread genial warmth all + over the earth, ruling the winds, waves and storms. . . . In Erdeni Dzu + formerly lived Pandita Hutuktu, who had come from Agharti. As he was + dying, he told about the time when he lived according to the will of the + Goro on a red star in the east, floated in the ice-covered ocean and flew + among the stormy fires in the depths of the earth.” + </p> + <p> + These are the tales which I heard in the Mongolian yurtas of Princes and + in the Lamaite monasteries. These stories were all related in a solemn + tone which forbade challenge and doubt. + </p> + <p> + Mystery. . . . + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII + </h2> + <h3> + THE KING OF THE WORLD BEFORE THE FACE OF GOD + </h3> + <p> + During my stay in Urga I tried to find an explanation of this legend about + the King of the World. Of course, the Living Buddha could tell me most of + all and so I endeavored to get the story from him. In a conversation with + him I mentioned the name of the King of the World. The old Pontiff sharply + turned his head toward me and fixed upon me his immobile, blind eyes. + Unwillingly I became silent. Our silence was a long one and after it the + Pontiff continued the conversation in such a way that I understood he did + not wish to accept the suggestion of my reference. On the faces of the + others present I noticed expressions of astonishment and fear produced by + my words, and especially was this true of the custodian of the library of + the Bogdo Khan. One can readily understand that all this only made me the + more anxious to press the pursuit. + </p> + <p> + As I was leaving the study of the Bogdo Hutuktu, I met the librarian who + had stepped out ahead of me and asked him if he would show me the library + of the Living Buddha and used a very simple, sly trick with him. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, my dear Lama,” I said, “once I rode in the plain at the hour + when the King of the World spoke with God and I felt the impressive + majesty of this moment.” + </p> + <p> + To my astonishment the old Lama very quietly answered me: “It is not right + that the Buddhist and our Yellow Faith should conceal it. The + acknowledgment of the existence of the most holy and most powerful man, of + the blissful kingdom, of the great temple of sacred science is such a + consolation to our sinful hearts and our corrupt lives that to conceal it + from humankind is a sin. . . . Well, listen,” he continued, “throughout + the whole year the King of the World guides the work of the Panditas and + Goros of Agharti. Only at times he goes to the temple cave where the + embalmed body of his predecessor lies in a black stone coffin. This cave + is always dark, but when the King of the World enters it the walls are + striped with fire and from the lid of the coffin appear tongues of flame. + The eldest Goro stands before him with covered head and face and with + hands folded across his chest. This Goro never removes the covering from + his face, for his head is a nude skull with living eyes and a tongue that + speaks. He is in communion with the souls of all who have gone before. + </p> + <p> + “The King of the World prays for a long time and afterwards approaches the + coffin and stretches out his hand. The flames thereon burn brighter; the + stripes of fire on the walls disappear and revive, interlace and form + mysterious signs from the alphabet vatannan. From the coffin transparent + bands of scarcely noticeable light begin to flow forth. These are the + thoughts of his predecessor. Soon the King of the World stands surrounded + by an auriole of this light and fiery letters write and write upon the + walls the wishes and orders of God. At this moment the King of the World + is in contact with the thoughts of all the men who influence the lot and + life of all humankind: with Kings, Czars, Khans, warlike leaders, High + Priests, scientists and other strong men. He realizes all their thoughts + and plans. If these be pleasing before God, the King of the World will + invisibly help them; if they are unpleasant in the sight of God, the King + will bring them to destruction. This power is given to Agharti by the + mysterious science of ‘Om,’ with which we begin all our prayers. ‘Om’ is + the name of an ancient Holyman, the first Goro, who lived three hundred + thirty thousand years ago. He was the first man to know God and who taught + humankind to believe, hope and struggle with Evil. Then God gave him power + over all forces ruling the visible world. + </p> + <p> + “After his conversation with his predecessor the King of the World + assembles the ‘Great Council of God,’ judges the actions and thoughts of + great men, helps them or destroys them. Mahytma and Mahynga find the place + for these actions and thoughts in the causes ruling the world. Afterwards + the King of the World enters the great temple and prays in solitude. Fire + appears on the altar, gradually spreading to all the altars near, and + through the burning flame gradually appears the face of God. The King of + the World reverently announces to God the decisions and awards of the + ‘Council of God’ and receives in turn the Divine orders of the Almighty. + As he comes forth from the temple, the King of the World radiates with + Divine Light.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII + </h2> + <h3> + REALITY OR RELIGIOUS FANTASY? + </h3> + <p> + “Has anybody seen the King of the World?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” answered the Lama. “During the solemn holidays of the ancient + Buddhism in Siam and India the King of the World appeared five times. He + rode in a splendid car drawn by white elephants and ornamented with gold, + precious stones and finest fabrics; he was robed in a white mantle and red + tiara with strings of diamonds masking his face. He blessed the people + with a golden apple with the figure of a Lamb above it. The blind received + their sight, the dumb spoke, the deaf heard, the crippled freely moved and + the dead arose, wherever the eyes of the King of the World rested. He also + appeared five hundred and forty years ago in Erdeni Dzu, he was in the + ancient Sakkai Monastery and in the Narabanchi Kure. + </p> + <p> + “One of our Living Buddhas and one of the Tashi Lamas received a message + from him, written with unknown signs on golden tablets. No one could read + these signs. The Tashi Lama entered the temple, placed the golden tablet + on his head and began to pray. With this the thoughts of the King of the + World penetrated his brain and, without having read the enigmatical signs, + he understood and accomplished the message of the King.” + </p> + <p> + “How many persons have ever been to Agharti?” I questioned him. + </p> + <p> + “Very many,” answered the Lama, “but all these people have kept secret + that which they saw there. When the Olets destroyed Lhasa, one of their + detachments in the southwestern mountains penetrated to the outskirts of + Agharti. Here they learned some of the lesser mysterious sciences and + brought them to the surface of our earth. This is why the Olets and + Kalmucks are artful sorcerers and prophets. Also from the eastern country + some tribes of black people penetrated to Agharti and lived there many + centuries. Afterwards they were thrust out from the kingdom and returned + to the earth, bringing with them the mystery of predictions according to + cards, grasses and the lines of the palm. They are the Gypsies. . . . + Somewhere in the north of Asia a tribe exists which is now dying and which + came from the cave of Agharti, skilled in calling back the spirits of the + dead as they float through the air.” + </p> + <p> + The Lama was silent and afterwards, as though answering my thoughts, + continued. + </p> + <p> + “In Agharti the learned Panditas write on tablets of stone all the science + of our planet and of the other worlds. The Chinese learned Buddhists know + this. Their science is the highest and purest. Every century one hundred + sages of China collect in a secret place on the shores of the sea, where + from its depths come out one hundred eternally-living tortoises. On their + shells the Chinese write all the developments of the divine science of the + century.” + </p> + <p> + As I write I am involuntarily reminded of a tale of an old Chinese bonze + in the Temple of Heaven at Peking. He told me that tortoises live more + than three thousand years without food and air and that this is the reason + why all the columns of the blue Temple of Heaven were set on live + tortoises to preserve the wood from decay. + </p> + <p> + “Several times the Pontiffs of Lhasa and Urga have sent envoys to the King + of the World,” said the Lama librarian, “but they could not find him. Only + a certain Tibetan leader after a battle with the Olets found the cave with + the inscription: ‘This is the gate to Agharti.’ From the cave a fine + appearing man came forth, presented him with a gold tablet bearing the + mysterious signs and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘The King of the World will appear before all people when the time shall + have arrived for him to lead all the good people of the world against all + the bad; but this time has not yet come. The most evil among mankind have + not yet been born. + </p> + <p> + “Chiang Chun Baron Ungern sent the young Prince Pounzig to seek out the + King of the World but he returned with a letter from the Dalai Lama from + Lhasa. When the Baron sent him a second time, he did not come back.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX + </h2> + <h3> + THE PROPHECY OF THE KING OF THE WORLD IN 1890 + </h3> + <p> + The Hutuktu of Narabanchi related the following to me, when I visited him + in his monastery in the beginning of 1921: + </p> + <p> + “When the King of the World appeared before the Lamas, favored of God, in + this monastery thirty years ago he made a prophecy for the coming half + century. It was as follows: + </p> + <p> + “‘More and more the people will forget their souls and care about their + bodies. The greatest sin and corruption will reign on the earth. People + will become as ferocious animals, thirsting for the blood and death of + their brothers. The ‘Crescent’ will grow dim and its followers will + descend into beggary and ceaseless war. Its conquerors will be stricken by + the sun but will not progress upward and twice they will be visited with + the heaviest misfortune, which will end in insult before the eye of the + other peoples. The crowns of kings, great and small, will fall . . . one, + two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. . . . There will be a terrible + battle among all the peoples. The seas will become red . . . the earth and + the bottom of the seas will be strewn with bones . . . kingdoms will be + scattered . . . whole peoples will die . . . hunger, disease, crimes + unknown to the law, never before seen in the world. The enemies of God and + of the Divine Spirit in man will come. Those who take the hand of another + shall also perish. The forgotten and pursued shall rise and hold the + attention of the whole world. There will be fogs and storms. Bare + mountains shall suddenly be covered with forests. Earthquakes will come. . + . . Millions will change the fetters of slavery and humiliation for + hunger, disease and death. The ancient roads will be covered with crowds + wandering from one place to another. The greatest and most beautiful + cities shall perish in fire . . . one, two, three. . . . Father shall rise + against son, brother against brother and mother against daughter. . . . + Vice, crime and the destruction of body and soul shall follow. . . . + Families shall be scattered. . . . Truth and love shall disappear. . . . + From ten thousand men one shall remain; he shall be nude and mad and + without force and the knowledge to build him a house and find his food. . + . . He will howl as the raging wolf, devour dead bodies, bite his own + flesh and challenge God to fight. . . . All the earth will be emptied. God + will turn away from it and over it there will be only night and death. + Then I shall send a people, now unknown, which shall tear out the weeds of + madness and vice with a strong hand and will lead those who still remain + faithful to the spirit of man in the fight against Evil. They will found a + new life on the earth purified by the death of nations. In the fiftieth + year only three great kingdoms will appear, which will exist happily + seventy-one years. Afterwards there will be eighteen years of war and + destruction. Then the peoples of Agharti will come up from their + subterranean caverns to the surface of the earth.’” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Afterwards, as I traveled farther through Eastern Mongolia and to Peking, + I often thought: + </p> + <p> + “And what if . . . ? What if whole peoples of different colors, faiths and + tribes should begin their migration toward the West?” + </p> + <p> + And now, as I write these final lines, my eyes involuntarily turn to this + limitless Heart of Asia over which the trails of my wanderings twine. + Through whirling snow and driving clouds of sand of the Gobi they travel + back to the face of the Narabanchi Hutuktu as, with quiet voice and a + slender hand pointing to the horizon, he opened to me the doors of his + innermost thoughts: + </p> + <p> + “Near Karakorum and on the shores of Ubsa Nor I see the huge, + multi-colored camps, the herds of horses and cattle and the blue yurtas of + the leaders. Above them I see the old banners of Jenghiz Khan, of the + Kings of Tibet, Siam, Afghanistan and of Indian Princes; the sacred signs + of all the Lamaite Pontiffs; the coats of arms of the Khans of the Olets; + and the simple signs of the north Mongolian tribes. I do not hear the + noise of the animated crowd. The singers do not sing the mournful songs of + mountain, plain and desert. The young riders are not delighting themselves + with the races on their fleet steeds. . . . There are innumerable crowds + of old men, women and children and beyond in the north and west, as far as + the eye can reach, the sky is red as a flame, there is the roar and + crackling of fire and the ferocious sound of battle. Who is leading these + warriors who there beneath the reddened sky are shedding their own and + others’ blood? Who is leading these crowds of unarmed old men and women? I + see severe order, deep religious understanding of purposes, patience and + tenacity . . . a new great migration of peoples, the last march of the + Mongols. . . .” + </p> + <p> + Karma may have opened a new page of history! + </p> + <p> + And what if the King of the World be with them? + </p> + <p> + But this greatest Mystery of Mysteries keeps its own deep silence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_GLOS" id="link2H_GLOS"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + GLOSSARY + </h2> + <p> + Agronome.—Russian for trained agriculturalist. + </p> + <p> + Amour sayn.—Good-bye. + </p> + <p> + Ataman.—Headman or chief of the Cossacks. + </p> + <p> + Bandi.—Pupil or student of theological school in the Buddhist faith. + </p> + <p> + Buriat.—The most civilized Mongol tribe, living in the valley of the + Selenga in Transbaikalia. + </p> + <p> + Chahars.—A warlike Mongolian tribe living along the Great Wall of + China in Inner Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + Chaidje.—A high Lamaite priest, but not an incarnate god. + </p> + <p> + Cheka.—The Bolshevik Counter-Revolutionary Committee, the most + relentless establishment of the Bolsheviki, organized for the persecution + of the enemies of the Communistic government in Russia. + </p> + <p> + Chiang Chun.—Chinese for “General”—Chief of all Chinese troops + in Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + Dalai Lama.—The first and highest Pontiff of the Lamaite or “Yellow + Faith,” living at Lhasa in Tibet. + </p> + <p> + Djungar.—A West Mongolian tribe. + </p> + <p> + Dugun.—Chinese commercial and military post. + </p> + <p> + Dzuk.—Lie down! + </p> + <p> + Fang-tzu.—Chinese for “house.” + </p> + <p> + Fatil.—A very rare and precious root much prized in Chinese and + Tibetan medicines. + </p> + <p> + Felcher.—Assistant of a doctor (surgeon). + </p> + <p> + Gelong.—Lamaite priest having the right to offer sacrifices to God. + </p> + <p> + Getul.—The third rank in the Lamaite monks. + </p> + <p> + Goro.—The high priest of the King of the World. + </p> + <p> + Hatyk.—An oblong piece of blue (or yellow) silk cloth, presented to + honored guests, chiefs, Lamas and gods. Also a kind of coin, worth from 25 + to 50 cents. + </p> + <p> + Hong.—A Chinese mercantile establishment. + </p> + <p> + Hun.—The lowest rank of princes. + </p> + <p> + Hunghutze.—Chinese brigand. + </p> + <p> + Hushun.—A fenced enclosure, containing the houses, paddocks, stores, + stables, etc., of Russian Cossacks in Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + Hutuktu.—The highest rank of Lamaite monks; the form of any + incarnated god; holy. + </p> + <p> + Imouran.—A small rodent like a gopher. + </p> + <p> + Izubr.—The American elk. + </p> + <p> + Kabarga.—The musk antelope. + </p> + <p> + Kalmuck.—A Mongolian tribe, which migrated from Mongolia under + Jenghiz Khan (where they were known as the Olets or Eleuths), and now live + in the Urals and on the shores of the Volga in Russia. + </p> + <p> + Kanpo.—The abbot of a Lamaite monastery, a monk; also the first rank + of “white” clergy (not monks). + </p> + <p> + Kanpo-Gelong.—The highest rank of Gelongs (q.v.); an honorary title. + </p> + <p> + Karma.—The Buddhist materialization of the idea of Fate, a parallel + with the Greek and Roman Nemesis (Justice). + </p> + <p> + Khan.—A king. + </p> + <p> + Khayrus.—A kind of trout. + </p> + <p> + Khirghiz.—The great Mongol nation living between the river Irtish in + western Siberia, Lake Balhash and the Volga in Russia. + </p> + <p> + Kuropatka.—A partridge. + </p> + <p> + Lama.—The common name for a Lamaite priest. + </p> + <p> + Lan.—A weight of silver or gold equivalent to about one-eleventh of + a Russian pound, or 9/110ths of a pound avoirdupois. + </p> + <p> + Lanhon.—A round bottle of clay. + </p> + <p> + Maramba.—A doctor of theology. + </p> + <p> + Merin.—The civil chief of police in every district of the Soyot + country in Urianhai. + </p> + <p> + “Om! Mani padme Hung!”.—“Om” has two meanings. It is the name of the + first Goro and also means: “Hail!” In this connection: “Hail! Great Lama + in the Lotus Flower!” + </p> + <p> + Mende.—Soyot greeting—“Good Day.” + </p> + <p> + Nagan-hushun.—A Chinese vegetable garden or enclosure in Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + Naida.—A form of fire used by Siberian woodsmen. + </p> + <p> + Noyon.—A Prince or Khan. In polite address: “Chief,” “Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + Obo.—The sacred and propitiatory signs in all the dangerous places + in Urianhai and Mongolia. + </p> + <p> + Olets.—Vid: Kalmuck. + </p> + <p> + Om.—The name of the first Goro (q.v.) and also of the mysterious, + magic science of the Subterranean State. It means, also: “Hail!” + </p> + <p> + Orochons.—A Mongolian tribe, living near the shores of the Amur + River in Siberia. + </p> + <p> + Oulatchen.—The guard for the post horses; official guide. + </p> + <p> + Ourton.—A post station, where the travelers change horses and + oulatchens. + </p> + <p> + Pandita.—The high rank of Buddhist monks. + </p> + <p> + Panti.—Deer horns in the velvet, highly prized as a Tibetan and + Chinese medicine. + </p> + <p> + Pogrom.—A wholesale slaughter of unarmed people; a massacre. + </p> + <p> + Paspa.—The founder of the Yellow Sect, predominating now in the + Lamaite faith. + </p> + <p> + Sait.—A Mongolian governor. + </p> + <p> + Salga.—A sand partridge. + </p> + <p> + Sayn.—“Good day!” “Good morning!” “Good evening!” All right; good. + </p> + <p> + Taiga.—A Siberian word for forest. + </p> + <p> + Taimen.—A species of big trout, reaching 120 pounds. + </p> + <p> + Ta Lama.—Literally: “the great priest,” but it means now “a doctor + of medicine.” + </p> + <p> + Tashur.—A strong bamboo stick. + </p> + <p> + Turpan.—The red wild goose or Lama-goose. + </p> + <p> + Tzagan.—White. + </p> + <p> + Tzara.—A document, giving the right to receive horses and oulatchens + at the post stations. + </p> + <p> + Tsirik.—Mongolian soldiers mobilized by levy. + </p> + <p> + Tzuren.—A doctor-poisoner. + </p> + <p> + Ulan.—Red. + </p> + <p> + Urga.—The name of the capital of Mongolia; (2) a kind of Mongolian + lasso. + </p> + <p> + Vatannen.—The language of the Subterranean State of the King of the + World. + </p> + <p> + Wapiti.—The American elk. + </p> + <p> + Yurta.—The common Mongolian tent or house, made of felt. + </p> + <p> + Zahachine.—A West Mongolian wandering tribe. + </p> + <p> + Zaberega.—The ice-mountains formed along the shores of a river in + spring. + </p> + <p> + Zikkurat.—A high tower of Babylonish style. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s Beasts, Men and Gods, by Ferdinand Ossendowski + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEASTS, MEN AND GODS *** + +***** This file should be named 2067-h.htm or 2067-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/6/2067/ + +Produced by Donald Lainson; David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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