Some tough faggots thrown over these afforded a footing, or we should never have got over.

Towards midday Mazreh was sighted; and we pushed on ahead, leaving the caravan to its own devices.

The going was now better, and it was soon far behind us, the only object visible from the low hills which we now ascended, the camels and mules looking, from this distance, like flies crawling over a huge white sheet.
Lunch at Mazreh consisted of damp, mouldy bread, and some sweet, sickly liquid the postmaster called tea.

Procuring fresh horses without difficulty, we set out about 3 p.m.for Kazvin.

It was not till 10 p.m.that we were riding through the great gate of that city, which the soldier on guard consented, with some demur, to open.
Kazvin boasts a hotel and a boulevard! The latter is lit by a dozen oil-lamps; the former, though a palatial building of brick, with verandahs and good rooms, is left to darkness and the rats in the absence of travellers.