I more than once during the morning, however, doubted whether we had done right in leaving our comfortable quarters at the caravanserai to embark on this uncertain, not to say dangerous, journey.
Twenty-nine farsakhs still lay between us and Ispahan; but, once past the Khurood Pass (which lies about seven farsakhs from Kashan), all would be plain sailing.

The summit of the pass is about seven thousand feet above sea-level.

Its valleys are, in summer, green and fertile, but during the winter are frequently rendered impassable by the deep snow, as was now the case.

Khurood itself is a village of some size and importance, built on the slope of the mountain, and here, by advice of the villagers, we rested for the night.

"It will take you at least a day to get to Bideshk," said the postmaster--"that is, if you are going to attempt it." The ride from Kashan had been pleasant enough.