He would pay for these on my return, but I might use as many of them as I needed as long as the expedition lasted.
I afterwards discussed the motor-car question in greater detail with YANG and BURKHAN, suggesting that I should bring back with me only four cars to start with, an amendment to which YANG gave his approval.
On a later occasion YANG asked me to bring back to Urumchi two Swedish mechanics who could speak Russian and repair his motor-cars. They would be paid three hundred silver dollars a month in addition to house-room, lighting and fuel. I promised to do my best.
DEPARTURE FROM URUMCHI
I had hoped to be able to leave quietly; but not even now, when I, HEYDER, MARSCHALL, MASSENBACH and MÜHLENWEG had a thousand odd things to think about, were we left in peace. YANG had decreed that our departure on May 5th should take place from the pavilion in the public gardens, where FAN, Lm and our other friends were to witness our start.
We met, therefore, at this place and at a long table we were regaled with tarts, sweetmeats, cigarettes and wine. And once more the eternal speeches succeeded each other. Again I had an opportunity of thanking the Foreign Minister, the Minister of Education and the Soviet consul-general for their kindness in facilitating our stay in the province and our impending journey home. Meantime, YANG had commissioned FAN to convey his greeting and his large red visiting-card to me. I replied with my greeting and my thanks to him. But time was passing and the two motor-cars were waiting. I rose to my feet. We took a hearty farewell of all and were driven away from the gardens and the town.
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