Chapter III Summary and Analysis

Yongden and David-Neel proceed on their journey toward Lhasa. Their story now is that they are pilgrims from Lhasa who have traveled to the frontier region of Tibet and are now on their way home.

While eating around a small fire one morning before setting out, they are approached by a man they recognize from the procession of the ponpos who gave them alms earlier. He sits by their fire and they offer him some of the broth they have made, which he accepts willingly. He lives in the next village, he tells them, and he invites them to stay at his house that night.

Not wishing to run the risk of extra attention, the pair intends to pass through the village and camp in the wilderness that night, but just as they are about the leave the village...