Chapter V Summary and Analysis

David-Neel and Yongden wake early the next day to continue on their journey. They have convinced a "dokpa," one of the shepherd farmer peasants, to guide them to the pass leading into the Po country. They have told him that his guiding the lama Yongden and his mother will bring him rewards in future lives, but when he leaves after guiding them to the pass with his horse, they also pay him a small amount of money. Yongden also impresses on him that he and David-Neel have the protection of the king of the Po region. This is meant to prevent him from following them. The guide refuses the money and hurries back to his home.

They do not feel optimistic at the crossing of the pass. Yongden is concerned that it will snow and about their dwindling food...