Chang explains how rare it is for the High Lama to meet with someone more than once before their first five years at Shangri-La, but Conway begins seeing the High Lama regularly. Barnard and Brinklow both decide to stay at Shangri-La, while Mallinson anxiously awaits porters for a return to India. Mallinson confesses his interest in Lo-Tsen to Conway, and Barnard starts regularly going into the valley to drink and meet women. Conway asks Chang about Lo-Tsen, and Chang vaguely asserts that many newcomers fall in love with her, finding comfort in her distance. Chang implies that Lo-Tsen does not have sex with anyone, but her presence calms people and softens their passions. Barnard confesses to Conway that he wants to start a gold-mining business, having found the veins that supply Shangri-La with gold. He has the High Lama’s permission to mine for gold in the valley, and he intends to use his knowledge of the mine to secure his freedom back at home. Conway vaguely encourages him, but he does not promise his assistance.

During another meeting with the High Lama, Conway spots a storm coming from

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