Hilda's study of Buddhism had stood us in good stead.

The chief Lama or abbot motioned to us to be seated, in a much politer mood; after which he and his principal monks held a long and animated conversation together.

I gathered from their looks and gestures that the head Lama inclined to regard us as orthodox Buddhists, but that some of his followers had grave doubts of their own as to the depth and reality of our religious convictions.
While they debated and hesitated, Hilda had another splendid idea.
She undid her portfolio, and took out of it the photographs of ancient Buddhist topes and temples which she had taken in India.

These she produced triumphantly.

At once the priests and monks crowded round us to look at them.