CHAPTER VII.
ISPAHAN--SHIRAZ.
The seven telegraph-stations, in charge of Europeans, between Teheran and Bushire, may be called the oases of Persia to the weary traveller from Resht to the Persian Gulf.

He is sure, at any of these, of a hearty welcome, a comfortable bedroom, and a well-cooked dinner from the good Samaritan in charge.

The latter is generally the best of company, full of anecdote and information about the country, and, necessarily, well posted in the latest news from Europe, from the last Parliamentary debate to the winner of the Derby.

These officials are usually _ci-devant_ non-commissioned officers of Royal Engineers.

Some are married, for the life is a lonely one, and three or four months often elapse without personal communication with the outer world, except on the wires.