The broad river-bed of sand was before me as level as the waters of a lake.

As I was riding slowly along by myself, away from all guard, I saw approaching me in the lonely plain a small body of men.

They were moving quickly along in single file, and we soon met and passed each other.
They were three Chinese Shan officers on horseback, dressed in Chinese fashion, and immediately behind them were six soldiers on foot, who I saw were Burmese or Burmese Shans.

They were smart men, clad in loose jerseys and knickerbockers, with sun-hats and bare legs, and they marched like soldiers.

Cartridge-belts were over their left shoulders, and Martini-Henry rifles, carried muzzle foremost, on their right.