CHAPTER VI.

Visit of Five Spies--Appearance before the Regent--Ki-Chan 166 makes us undergo an Examination--Supper at the expense of the Government--A night of imprisonment with the Regent--Confidential communications of the Governor of the Katchi--Domiciliary Visit--Seals affixed to all our effects--Sinico-Thibetian Tribunal--Inquiry about the Geographical Maps--Homage paid to Christianity, and to the French name--The Regent assigns to us one of his Houses--Erection of a Chapel--Preaching of the Gospel--Conversion of a Chinese Doctor--Religious Conferences with the Regent--Recreation with a Magnifying Glass--Conversations with Ki-Chan--Religious character of the Thibetians--Celebrated formula of the Buddhists--Buddhist Pantheism--Election of the Tale-Lama--The Small-pox at Lha-Ssa--Sepultures in use among the Thibetians