She was startled a little later by hearing the sound of voices and the tramp of many feet outside in the passage. The explanation was soon forthcoming for again the door opened and red-robed Lamas of a higher order than had visited them hitherto came into the room.
They preceded another man who, Vivian realised at once, must be a Lama, or an Abbot, of great importance. He wore Chinese robes that were beautifully embroidered.
On his head was a pointed red cap with turned-up ear flaps and in one ear was a long pendant earring of coral and silver that showed that by birth he was one of the aristocracy.
His attendants, large surly men who carried whips of yak skin and flicked them about insolently, even at the attendant Monks.
The Abbot stared at Vivian and drew near to Tony’s mattress as
