Among the Celestials : vol.1 / Page 133 (Color Image)

0133	Among the Celestials : vol.1

CHAP. V.]

A MONGOL'S TENT. ios

On arrival I found them to be very much what

books of travel had led me to expect dome-

shaped, made of a framework of lattice, with

felt bound round on the outside, and with a

hole in the roof. The inhabitants of one of

them made room for me. A felt was spread

out to lie on, and a couple of small tables

placed by my side. All round the sides of

the tent boxes and cupboards were neatly

arranged, and at one end were some vases

and images of Buddha. In the centre was

the fireplace, situated directly beneath the

hole in the roof. I was charmed with the

comfort of the place. The Chinese inns, at

which I had so far had to put up, were cold

and draughty. Here the sun came streaming

in through the hole in the top, and there were

no draughts whatever. Nor was there any

dust ; and this being the tent of a well-to-do

Mongol, it was clean and neatly arranged.

The whole family collected to see my things,

and pulled my kit to pieces. The sponge was

a great source of wonder ; but what attracted

them most of all was a concave shaving-mirror,

which magnified and contorted the face in a

marvellous way. The Mongols shrieked with

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