CHAPTER XXVIII.

_THE MONGOLIAN FRONTIER AT MAIMATCHIN._

Outlook into Mongolia.--Town of Maimatchin: without women.--Visit to a Chinese merchant.--Refreshments.--Attendants.--Purchases.--Tea bricks for coin.--The town.--Buddhist temple.--Chinese malefactors.--Their punishments.--Chinese dinner.-Food.--Intoxicating drinks.--Route to Peking.--Travellers.-Modes of conveyance.--Manners of the desert.--Postal service 337