Let's study English!

Aufschnaiter composed a short letter begging for an audience. As no answer came, we set out in the late afternoon to visit the garpon. His house was not essentially different from that of his agent, but inside it was cleaner and of the better quality. The garpon, a high official, is invested for the duration of his mission with the fourth rank in the hierarchy of the nobles. He is in charge of five districts, which are administered by nobles of the fifth, sixth, and seventh rank. During his period of office, the garpon wears a golden amulet in his piled-up hair, but he may wear this ornament only while on duty in Gartok. In Lhasa he is reduced to the fifth rank. All the nobles in Tibet are ranked in seven classes, to the first of which only the Dalai Lama belongs. All secular officials wear their hair piled up on their heads, monks are shaven, and the ordinary people wear pigtails.

At last we came into the presence of this potentate. We explained our case to him in all its details, and he listened to us with friendly patience. Often he could not refrain from smiling at our defective Tibetan, while his retainers laughed out loud. This merriment added a spice to the conversation and created a friendly atmosphere. The garpon promised to consider our case carefully and to talk it over with the representative of his colleague. At the end of the audience, we were hospitably entertained and received tea made in the European fashion. Afterward the garpon sent presents to our tents, and we began to hope for a happy issue.