Portrayed on canvas, the picture would have looked unnatural, so brilliant were the hues thrown by the rising sun over the land-, or rather snow-scape.

The cold, though intense, was not unbearable, for there was fortunately no wind, and the spirits rose with the crisp, bracing air, brilliant sunshine, and jangle of caravan bells, as one realized that Teheran was now well within reach, and the dreaded Kharzan a thing of the past.

Gerome gave vent to his feelings with a succession of roulades and operatic airs; for my little friend had a very good opinion of his vocal powers, which I, unfortunately, did not share.

But he was a cheery, indefatigable creature, and of indomitable pluck, and one gladly forgave him this, his only failing.
It was terribly hard work all that morning, and Gerome had four, I three, falls, on one occasion wrenching my right ankle badly.

Some of the drifts through which we rode must have been at least ten or fifteen feet deep.