To the first Mongol post in Samgaltai was not more than sixty miles from our camp, while to Kosogol by the shortest line not less than two hundred seventy-five.

The horses my friend and I were riding, after having traveled more than six hundred miles over hard roads and without proper food or rest, could scarcely make such an additional distance.

But, reflecting upon the situation and studying my new fellow travelers, I determined not to attempt to pass the Tannu Ola.
They were nervous, morally weary men, badly dressed and armed and most of them were without weapons.

I knew that during a fight there is no danger so great as that of disarmed men.

They are easily caught by panic, lose their heads and infect all the others.