But there is no bar here; only a shelving sandy beach, on which, even in rough weather, there is little danger.

Some good-sized boats came out to the _Kaspia_ with fish and vegetables, and we at once resolved to land.

Anything sooner than return to Baku! "There is no road from Astara," said Z----, "and deep rivers to cross.
You will be robbed and murdered like the Italian who travelled this way three years ago! He was the last European to do so." Gerome remembers the incident.

In fact, he says, the murdered man was a friend of his, travelling to Teheran with a large sum of money.
Unable to land at Resht, and impatient to reach his destination, he took the unfrequented route, was waylaid, robbed, tied to a tree, and left to starve.

"He was alone and unarmed, though," says my companion; adding with a wink, "Let them try it on with us!" Seeing remonstrance is useless, Z---- wishes us God-speed.