288 IN TIBET AND CHINESE TURK STA7V
and well-kept, while the large one-storied house _ was singularly well-built and clean. When the Beg had,. with - . the help of two attendants, reached the ground in safety, he took off his shoes or strong slippers and ushered me into a long, rectangular room with white-washed. walls. and numerous alcoves. The 'roof was. very high, --consisting of large rafters with tiniforrn • cross-pieces of wood-between, while the floor had. , thick:covering of reeds and
straw overlaid with Khotan carpets of bright colours and elegant designs. At one side of the apartment was a capacious fireplace with a bright wood fire, over which was a chimney which, unlike most others, did allow the smoke to escape. The repast consisted of tea, bread, coloured eggs, currants and sweets. Stretching myself on the floor, which was as soft as a cushion, I partook of these refreshments while waiting for the arrival of the
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