We saw at once it was impossible to reach the meeting from this approach, so we chose another route.

We left the city from the eastern side and passed along by the camp of the Mongolians who had been reduced to beggary by the Chinese impositions.

There also they were evidently anxiously awaiting the turn of events, for, in spite of the lateness of the hour, none had gone to sleep.

We slipped out on the ice and worked around by the river to the nagan hushun.

As we passed free of the city we began to sneak cautiously along, taking advantage of every bit of cover.