Having groped our way for half an hour or so about a labyrinth of dark, narrow streets, we presently emerged on the dimly lit boulevard (three of the oil-lamps had gone out), and rode up to the melancholy looking hostelry at the end.

Failing to obtain admission, we burst open the door, and made ourselves as comfortable as circumstances would allow.

Food was out of the question; drink, saving some villainous raki of Gerome's, also; but there was plenty of firewood, and we soon had a good fire in the grate.

This hotel was originally built by the Shah for the convenience of himself and ministers when on his way to Europe.

It is only on these rare occasions that the barn-like building is put in order.