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 THE 
 
 PERSIAN ADVENTURER 
 
 THE SEQUEL 
 
 " THE KUZZILBASH;" 
 
 BY J. B. FRAZER, ESQ. 
 
 AUTHOR OF A TOUR TO THE HIMALA MOUNTAINS: 
 TRAVELS IN PERSIA, &c. 
 
 N THREE VOLUMES. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 ri 
 
 LONDOiS : 
 HENRY COLBURN AND RICHARD BENTLEY, 
 
 NEW BURLINGTON STREET. 
 
 1830.
 
 I 
 
 PRINTED BV 4. J. VALPy, HED LION COURT, FLEET STUEE.
 
 ■^2 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 In presenting the continuation and conclusic^n of 
 these Memoirs to the public, and acknowledging 
 with due gratitude the share of favour bestowed 
 upon the first portion of the '^ Kuzzilbash,"* the 
 translator entreats the reader's attention to a few 
 observations. 
 
 In preparing the following pages for publica- 
 
 * Those who may be at a loss to comprehend the chang6 of title 
 in the following work, from that under which the first part was 
 published, will cease to wonder at it when they are informed, that 
 so little did that title serve to convey an idea of the work it an- 
 nounced, tliat a respectable bookseller informed the author he 
 
 10 
 
 S had actually been more than once asked whether the " Kuzzil 
 
 basil" was not a cookery hook!
 
 VI PREFACE. 
 
 tion, it has been an object to avoid as much as 
 possible the interminable prolixity of the original 
 narration ; and the task of selection and abridg- 
 ment from the mass of his materials required an 
 unsparing and determined hand. In executing 
 it, the details of many years, however replete with 
 historical interest, have of necessity been passed 
 over, or very slightly noticed ; and in some cases 
 the translator has substituted his own words for 
 the more diffuse style of the author, to connect 
 portions of the narrative ; while in others the 
 original has been unceremoniously pared down to 
 suit the intended scope of the work. 
 
 The history of a soldier's career, principally in 
 the service of a great conqueror, replete with 
 military enterprise or hazardous adventure, must 
 of necessity be in great measure made up of broil 
 and battle, and can afford but little opportunity 
 for descriptions of those milder and more peaceful 
 scenes which may have given interest to an earlier 
 period of his life ; and, perhaps, in spite of the 
 translator's endeavours to vary the character of 
 his work, in so far as his original enabled him to
 
 PREFACE, Vll 
 
 do SO, it may be the opinion of some, that its 
 interest depends too much upon sources of stern 
 excitement, and appeals too Uttle to the softer 
 and more grateful emotions of the soul. To such 
 he can only reply, by adverting to the somewhat 
 unmanageable nature of his materials, and plead- 
 ing the difficulty of departing from an original 
 design already far advanced towards its comple- 
 tion. His object was to bring before the Enghsh 
 reader, in an amusing shape, some scenes and 
 sketches of manners, in countries but little known 
 in Europe, and descriptive of a period of con- 
 siderable interest in Asiatic history. The memoirs 
 from which he has selected the work in question 
 appeared no bad vehicle for such a purpose, 
 although from their very nature it must necessarily 
 occupy a space of many years rather than de- 
 scribe the details of some single important event, 
 and would present to the reader a great va- 
 riety of actors, each but slightly sketched, in- 
 stead of portraying a few characters in powerful 
 colours. 
 
 It would be as impertinent as vain, to advert to
 
 Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 the various opinions and strictures which have 
 reached the translator's ear from many and 
 friendly quarters. Some have objected to the 
 introduction of historic matter; others to the 
 strong delineations of atrocity or immorality, both 
 public and private. To the last, it might be 
 replied, that the object of the work being to 
 depict national character and manners, and truth 
 being the most valuable ingredient in such de- 
 lineations, it seemed better to hazard occasioning 
 a little disgust by an uncompromising adherence 
 to reality, than to fritter away their effect by an 
 over nicety of terms, and by repressing the sterner 
 or more revolting traits which obtrude themselves 
 upon the eye of an observer as peculiarly cha- 
 racteristic of the people. To all readers, how- 
 ever, who object to this work, in part, but 
 who honour it with their approbation on the 
 whole, the translator, in eastern fashion, would 
 beg leave to address the following apologue, which 
 may be found in the writings of the moral 
 Saadi. 
 
 One gloomy evening, a number of travellers
 
 PREFACE. IX 
 
 chanced to arrive at an old caravanserai, which was 
 situated in a wide plain, at a distance from any 
 village ; and the darkness setting in, together 
 with the rising storm, they were forced to take 
 up their quarters there for the night. The keen 
 appetite created by a long day's journey soon 
 made it a matter of interest to inquire what pro- 
 visions each had brought with him, and whether 
 the place itself afforded any means of supplying 
 the deficiency. 
 
 The result of the inquiry was disheartening 
 enough : — one had only a little salt ; another 
 some grains of pepper ; a third, the remains of 
 some indifferent butter ; and a fourth a few kish- 
 mishes, or small raisins in a piece of bladder : 
 not one had a morsel of any thing solid ; and 
 though all these things might assist as seasoning, 
 they were of little value as food. It appeared at 
 length, that an old man who resided alone in the 
 caravanserai had a tolerably substantial piece of 
 meat, and a maun of rice in an earthen jar; and 
 this he proposed to dress for the good of the com- 
 pany, according to a receipt of his own, which he
 
 X PREFACE. ^ 
 
 assured them would turn the provision to the best 
 account, and satisfy them all, provided each man 
 contributed what he might have of spices and sea- 
 soning to improve its flavour. 
 
 The fire was accordingly prepared ; the dish was 
 cooked ; and the company sat down with the 
 eagerness of hungry men to the repast. For a while 
 all was silence ; but as the stomachs filled the 
 tastes grew nice, and they began to criticise the 
 cookery. ^'Not a bad pillaw this," said one; ^' but 
 the old fellow hasoverdosed itwith pepper." — ^'The 
 pepper is well enough," observed a sallow thin- 
 faced man, '^ if he had not drowned the dish with 
 that vile rancid butter : — whose stomach, in the 
 name of Allah ! can digest such trash ?" — ^^ But- 
 ter! — I would consent to all the butter and the 
 pepper — ay, and half the spice of India, if the 
 old fool had spared us that load of filthy kish- 
 mishes," grumbled a stout important-looking 
 person : — ^' who ever heard of kishmishes in a 
 salt pillaw?" — ^^ Who would eat kishmishes?" 
 repeated a dapper little fellow, with an air of 
 sprightly vivacity which bespoke the poetaster :
 
 PREFACE. XI 
 
 — ''what! rob life of its sweets ? — -rather ba- 
 nish that greasy load of animal obesity, and 
 season the dish with your sweets and acids, your 
 spices and your rich condiments, which exalt its 
 flavour, and stimulate the senses without palling 
 the appetite." 
 
 There was among the party a dervish, who, 
 during this dispute, had been sedulously and 
 silently applying himself to the purpose for 
 which the dish was made; namely, satisfying 
 his craving appetite. '' Brothers," said he at 
 length, '' abuse not the cloke which sheltefs 
 you from the storm, although the wind may reach 
 you through a hole in its skirt. An evil mind 
 will turn blessings into curses, while the thank- 
 ful heart rejoices over a crust and a cup of 
 water. Ye have eaten, ye have drank, and are 
 filled : — but had this old man withheld his pit- 
 tance, from whence could ye have done so ? It 
 is fitter therefore that ye acknowledge his ser- 
 vices than that ye rail at his faihngs." — Cour- 
 teous reader ! may you be disposed to follow 
 the example of this discreet dervish, and re-
 
 Xll PREFACE. 
 
 ceive in good part the following humble efforts 
 to instruct or to amuse you, and like him to visit 
 with leniency the faults and failings of their 
 author !
 
 THE 
 
 PERSIAN ADVENTURER. 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 
 A DEPARTURE. 
 
 The conqueror of the Affghauns and deliverer of 
 his country, determined to complete his arduous 
 task of restoring the tarnished lustre of the Per- 
 sian diadem, had once more quitted his native 
 Khorasan ; and girding on the sword of resolution, 
 advanced on the swift courser of vengeance to 
 humble the pride of the haughty Ottomans, and 
 to drive them from the rich and delicious plains of 
 Irak and Azerbijaun, upon which they had auda- 
 ciously seized. 
 
 No sooner had the august footsteps of his high- 
 ness ceased to bless the soil of Khorasan, than the 
 
 VOL. I. A
 
 2 THE PERSIAN 
 
 spirit of disaffection burst forth again amongst the 
 ever restless chiefs and tribes of that extensive 
 province ; and w^hile the fortunate banners in other 
 quarters continued resplendent with the sunshine 
 of victory, the Zoheir-u-doulut, Ibrahim Khan^ 
 who had been left as governor in the absence of 
 his highness, experienced no small difficulty in 
 maintaining peace and good order with the small 
 military force which had been left at his disposal ; 
 and it was only by dint of the most anxious and 
 unceasing vigilance on the part of the governor, 
 and the indefatigable zeal and activity of his 
 officers and troops, in flying with a rapidity almost 
 incredible to each point of danger as it was dis- 
 covered, that the discordant materials of his charge 
 were kept under controul,and tranquillity preserved 
 for a season. 
 
 But this was a state of things which could not 
 long endure. The prolonged absence of the mas- 
 ter-spirit at length encouraged the more daring 
 Koordish chiefs and tribes of the Attock to throw 
 off the slight mask they had hitherto worn ; they 
 gave no credit to the brilliant accounts of successes; 
 which fame brought from the west, while unac- 
 companied by any tangible proofs of increased 
 power ; and they beheved, because they wished it, 
 that the enterprise which Nadir had embarked ii> 
 was one beyond the power even of his mighty 
 arm ; that the star of his fortune was declining.
 
 ADVENTURER. 3 
 
 and that he never would again return to punish 
 their treachery. They broke out into open re- 
 belUon, and rephed to the threats and remon- 
 strance's of Ibrahim with contemptuous indifference 
 or stern defiance. 
 
 The Ghiljee Affghauns, too, at this crisis, for- 
 getting their deplorable failures on former occa- 
 sions, took courage, like cowards, at the supposed 
 weakness of their old enemy, and uniting with the 
 Abdallees, under their chief Zoolfecar Khan, com- 
 menced a system of predatory incursions upon the 
 Persian territories. 
 
 To repress these aggressions, and to restore order 
 in the province, required more powerful means 
 than the governor possessed. But a vigorous ^ex- 
 ertion was absolutely necessary ; and Ibrahim 
 resolved to employ every effort of force or policy 
 in his power, in the hope of intimidating his 
 enemies and repressing their attacks ; at all events 
 until he should receive the aid he looked for from 
 his brother. All the troops he could muster 
 were sent under able and experienced leaders 
 against the more bold and open rebels ; even the 
 garrison of the city of Mushed was dangerously 
 reduced to strengthen those detachments; while 
 other agents, not less confidential and resolute, 
 were employed to negotiate with such chiefs as 
 had not yet openly proclaimed their disaffection ; 
 to confirm their wavering loyalty, and to sohcit or 
 
 Ik
 
 4 THE PERSIAN 
 
 demand, as might be expedient, from each, such 
 aid as his means might afford, or his good-will be 
 induced to grant. 
 
 It was a stirring and an anxious time ; detach- 
 ments were constantly issuing from the gates, or 
 troops re-entering them, flushed with success, and 
 loaded with plunder ; or, as sometimes happened, 
 mortified, crest-fallen, and with numbers dimi- 
 nished by repulse, if not defeat. Our lives, truly, 
 were not spent in ease or indolence ; and I among 
 the rest had little time to enjoy the sweets which 
 generally accompany successful love. The inter- 
 vals of duty were short and precarious ; and it 
 often happened that upon arriving at the dur- 
 kaneh,^' to give in my report of some particular 
 service, I was despatched to some other distant 
 quarter, without the comfort of being permitted to 
 enter my own house. Often and earnestly did 
 we all pray to be blessed by the sound of the 
 trumpets of Nadir ; or to see the gleam of his 
 banners appearing from the Passes of Toorgabeh ; 
 but though we longed for the aid of our comrades 
 to lighten the severity of our toils, there was not a 
 man of us who thought of flinching from his duty, 
 or of murmuring at the hardships to which it 
 might expose him. 
 
 One day, after returning from a rapid expedition 
 to the neighbourhood of Dereguz, I was waiting 
 
 * Gate of the palace or of he ad -quarters.
 
 ADVENTURER. O 
 
 4 
 
 at the durkhaneh with some other officers, when 
 I received an order to repair immediately to the 
 presence of the governor. He was seated in his 
 khelwut,* attended by a confidential peishkhid- 
 mut, t who stood waiting his orders ; a meerza or 
 secretary was writing at the lower end of the 
 room, and one or two furoshes, and a nassakchee, J 
 stood at a distance in the court, before the cham- 
 ber in which he was seated. He beckoned me to 
 come up ; and ascending the steps which led to 
 the apartment, I stood before him. His frank and 
 open brow was contracted with care. ** Ismael," 
 said he, (after I had made my obeisance,) '* there 
 is a service of importance, and of danger, to be 
 performed, for which I require a steady -and 
 faithful agent. I have selected you as one well 
 qualified for the task: you will not, I am con- 
 fident, disappoint my expectations of your sagacity 
 and presence of mind ; which, I warn you, maybe 
 put to a severe trial. Listen," pursued he, (in- 
 terrupting my -assurances of devotion,) " we have 
 no leisure for speeches. If I had not confidence in 
 you, you would not have been called ; for, upon this 
 occasion, the service on which I am about to send 
 you is one of negotiation, where the head will be 
 more needed than the hand. You will be attended 
 by an escort ; but as it is our policy to invite con- 
 
 • Private apartment. t Body servant, 
 
 t Executioner.
 
 b THE PERSIAN 
 
 fidence by appearing to repose it, and to lull all 
 suspicion to rest by seeming to entertain none, 
 your party must be small. On the other hand, as 
 it is not less important to guard against treachery, 
 in as far as in conformity with these principles may 
 be practicable, it shall consist of tried and well- 
 armed men. With these you must repair forthwith 
 to the presence of MouzufFer Khan, the Carawee 
 chief of Toorbut Hyderee : we have good infor- 
 mation that he is at this time in correspondence 
 with the Abdallee dogs and the Ghiljees of 
 Furrah ; negotiating, not only for immunity for 
 himself and his territories, during their intended 
 predatory attacks upon our eastern districts ; but, 
 for an extension of his boundaries, in case he shall 
 afford facilities, and eventually more active assist- 
 ance to them in their warlike operations against 
 the dominions of the Persian crown. 
 
 *' I need not explain how important it is to the 
 interests of Nadir, and of Persia, that this intel- 
 ligence should be interrupted ; and that it would 
 be a consummation still more desirable, if the aid 
 thus destined for our foes could not only be de- 
 tached from strengthening their hands, but thrown 
 into ours against them. To negotiate as far as 
 practicable this arrangement is the principal ob- 
 ject of the intended mission; and, knowing as 
 you do, the present situation of affairs in this 
 province, it is unnecessary to urge your exerting
 
 ADVENTURER. 7 
 
 every effort of your skill and judgment to render 
 at effectual. It will also be proper that you take 
 pains to ascertain the general temper of the dis- 
 trict through which you have to pass ; to confirm 
 the well-disposed in their allegiance ; caution the 
 wavering or ill-advised, and use all the means of 
 persuasion in your power to create a friendly dis- 
 position towards the cause and the authority of 
 my august brother. 
 
 '^ It is moreover expedient that you depart 
 on the instant. The noon-day sun must see you 
 distant from Mushed : every thing is arranged : 
 your attendants are in readiness, and your further 
 instructions are contained in this paper. Go ; may 
 your journey be prosperous! — may Gnod protect 
 you!" — ^^ Chushm!^ your slave obeys. May your 
 favour increase!" replied I ; and taking the scroll 
 he offered, I quitted the governor's presence. 
 
 But in spite of the honourable and interesting 
 nature of my mission I did not enter upon it with 
 that alacrity which I was wont to feel when de- 
 parting upon hazardous expeditions. The pacific, 
 or at best equivocal nature of the duty appointed 
 for me to perform, so far from rendering it wel- 
 come, rather inspired me with disgust and dis- 
 quiet. My spirits sunk unaccountably, and a fore- 
 boding sense of evil hung like a weight upon my 
 mind, as I hurried homewards to make the few 
 
 * On mj eyes be it.
 
 8 THE PERSIAN 
 
 arrangements necessary for my journey, and to 
 bid Shireen adieu for a season : — a season ! — might 
 it not be for ever ? 
 
 The character of this MouzufFer Khan was not 
 unknown to me ; and it was by no means such as 
 to render the office of envoy, upon a mission of 
 this nature, in any degree desirable. Chief of a 
 powerful tribe, residing in a strongly fortified city, 
 and in a remote district, surrounded by his kin* 
 dred and his clan ; however low he might rank 
 abroad in the scale of independent nobles, he 
 was both powerful and absolute at home, where 
 he ruled with a very despotic authority. 
 
 Exposed by the local position of his territories 
 to the incursions of the Affghauns of Furrah and 
 Herat, whose attacks he could not have singly 
 withstood, he was forced into a system of craft 
 and poUcy, which fostered, as it originated in, a 
 disposition naturally treacherous and deceitful ,- 
 and obliged, on the other hand, in self-defence 
 to maintain a larger armed force than his private 
 resources, or the revenues of his country could 
 provide for, he supplied the deficiency and gra- 
 tified his natural cupidity by plundering such ca- 
 ravans and travellers as came within his reach ; 
 and occasionally, by surprising some distant and 
 unsuspicious village belonging to a neighbouring 
 province, taking care that the blame and con- 
 sequences of such outrages, when likely to be
 
 ADVENTURER. 9 
 
 overtaken by punishment, should Ught upon- the 
 predatory tribes, or marauding bands which he 
 generally called to his aid upon occasions of this 
 kind. 
 
 In truth, the connection which he maintained 
 with his more powerful eastern neighbours ren- 
 dered it a matter of no small difficulty for any of 
 the authorities in his vicinity to demand satis- 
 faction with effect, or to enforce the claims of 
 justice. He was, in a word, notoriously treach- 
 erous, rapacious, and cruel ; and to place one- 
 self voluntarily in the power of such a chief was 
 scarcely less hazardous and imprudent than it 
 would be to enter the den of an angry and fa- 
 mished lion. Independent, therefore, of any*su- 
 perstitious foreboding, there was sufficient cause 
 for contemplating the event with a feeling of doubt, 
 if not of dread. But omens of evil were not want- 
 ing to depress me. 
 
 While pondering on these considerations, and 
 lost in thought, I passed through the principal 
 bazar on the way to my lodgings : I was roused 
 from my reverie by a shrill voice close to my ear, 
 which pronounced these words in a tone of ma- 
 levolent imprecation that fixed all my attention : 
 *^ Ay, let him go, in the devil's name ; the way 
 is open — let him set forth — see when he will re- 
 turn: but ye need not gaze so — ^he never will 
 return ! " 
 
 k
 
 10 THE PERSIAN 
 
 Startled by a denunciation, which seemed aimed 
 especially at me, I looked round for the speaker. 
 It was an old decrepid woman, who had been 
 venting her displeasure, as it seemed, upon some 
 absent person ; for she was gazing upon vacancy, 
 regardless of the spectators who had been at- 
 tracted by her vehemence. This vehemence had 
 nothing to do with me ; and yet I felt as if the 
 weight of her malediction had found its mark in 
 my person. 
 
 A young man now hurried from a neighbouring 
 shed, and taking the old woman's arm, ^^ Come, 
 come, mother," said he, " dream here no longer; 
 liere is no one to curse at : beware lest these evil 
 wishes of yours fall on the head of some inno- 
 cent person, and bring the wrath of Allah on your 
 own family." " You are right, my son," rejoined 
 the old hag, as her eye wandered over his person 
 with its uncertain vision; *^ let not the innocent 
 suffer for the guilty. God forbid ! — but I must 
 curse — I must curse him,'' The young man now 
 led vher away, and relieved me from the painful 
 fascination of her disgusting countenance. 
 
 The impressions made by this accidental oc- 
 currence were fresh upon me when I entered my 
 house ; and the misery of my poor wife when I 
 communicated to her the nature of my intended 
 expedition did not contribute to raise my spirits. 
 '* Oh! go not on this journey, Ismael," said she; 
 
 A
 
 ADVENTURER. 11 
 
 " it will surely be fatal to you. I have had such 
 fearful dreams: I saw you wounded — wounded 
 and dying. — I knew it was you, and I could not 
 approach you. If you go on this journey, Ismael, 
 I shall never see you more." — ^' Hush ! hush ! 
 Shireen: — this weakness from you! — you, whose 
 part it is rather to cheer me on any painful duty 
 than to distress me by childish fears ; and when 
 going on a peaceful errand too ! Surely I run less 
 peril now than on those warlike expeditions upon 
 which you have so often calmly seen me depart 
 against the Koords and tribes of the desert." — 
 " Ah ! Ismael, the danger may in reality be less, 
 but to me, at this moment, it is far more alarm- 
 ing, although I cannot tell the reason. • Would to 
 Allah it could be avoided ! — Who are your com- 
 panions?" I explained that a sufficient escort of 
 tried gholaums was to attend me ; and endea- 
 voured to soothe the excessive terror which agi- 
 tated her ; and which, to confess the truth, united 
 with other causes to deprive my own mind of the 
 resolution and equanimity so essential to it. But 
 it was in vain ; her anticipations of evil were too 
 fixed to be reasoned away, and she abandoned 
 herself to uncontrollable despondency. 
 
 Deeply distressed as I was at her situation, it 
 could not be permitted to interfere with the calls 
 of duty. My preparations were quickly completed, 
 and my faithful jeloodar, Cossim, who would not 
 
 k
 
 12 THE PERSIAN 
 
 be left behind, announced that the party ap- 
 pointed to accompany me were already in waiting 
 at my gate. I joined them instantly, and felt a 
 glow of returning confidence arise as I placed 
 myself once more at the head of the small band, 
 among whom were several veteran gholaums, my 
 companions in many a severe action, along with 
 Firoze Beg, a dehbashee* of approved courage 
 and uncommon sagacity. There were others whom 
 I did not remember to have seen before ; and one 
 in particular, whose singular and unpleasant ex- 
 pression of countenance attracted my notice so 
 much, that I inquired his name. The man, with 
 the usual military salute, replied that he was a 
 servant lately engaged in the service of the go- 
 vernor — his name Goorbaun Allee, and specially 
 directed to accompany the party, as his know- 
 ledge of the country, it was thought, would render 
 his services useful. 
 
 Firoze Beg looked intently at the man, and 
 asked him several questions, which he replied to 
 in a satisfactory manner. ^^ I do not know him, 
 sir," said he to me ; *' but he is a strong active- 
 looking fellow, and may be useful : it is unne- 
 cessary, at this late hour, to refer to the palace 
 on so frivolous a matter, and I see he wears the 
 governor's badge. If we don't like him as we 
 proceed," added he with a significant nod, '* we 
 
 * Commander of ten j a sergeant. 
 
 M
 
 ADVENTURER. 13 
 
 can easily get rid of him. As for the country, 
 I know it better than he does." The man, who 
 probably had overheard part of this address, cast 
 a glance of strange expression at Firoze Beg ; but 
 nothing more was said ; and we moved onward, 
 in number twelve well-armed men, besides myself 
 and old Cossim. 
 
 But the omens which attended the outset of 
 the journey were not more cheering than those 
 which had preceded it. No sooner had we left 
 the house than three ravens were observed by 
 Firoze Beg, sailing towards the south-west, in 
 the very direction of our course ; and while com- 
 menting on this unpleasant incident, old Cossim, 
 whose spirits, like those of his master, were more 
 depressed than usual, whispered his neighbour, 
 with a shake of his head, that his family had been 
 tormented all night by the howHng of a dog 
 around his dwelling, and that his vdfe had warned 
 him that some disaster was approaching : even I 
 did not escape my share of the ill-luck ; for while 
 musing on all that had passed, and holding my 
 bridle with a careless hand, my horse, the surest 
 footed animal in the world, stumbled almost to 
 falling : he recovered himself indeed ; but the 
 occurrence of a circumstance so notoriously por- 
 tentous did not fail of contributing to the discom- 
 posure of myself and all my party. To add to 
 these misfortunes, it happened that there was no 
 
 k
 
 14 THE PERSIAN 
 
 possibility of obtaining the opinion of any astro- 
 loger of acknowledged sagacity upon the aspect 
 of the heavens at so short a notice ; and conse- 
 quently we set out -without the smallest information 
 on the subject of lucky and unlucky hours. 
 
 As we entered the principal street, on our way to 
 the south-eastern gate, and slowly made our pro- 
 gress through the crowds collected in the bazars, 
 we could hear the various remarks that were made 
 upon our appearance and probable destination. 
 " For Serrukhs and the Moorghaub, I warrant," 
 said one. — " Ay, ay, that Moujood Koolee will 
 never be at rest till he gets a pair of eyes the 
 worse." — *^ Bah ! that handful of men going to 
 Serrukhs ! Are you a fool, Hassan ? They would 
 be eaten up, arms and all, before they reached 
 Kallah Teekree. No, no; its only a party sent on 
 scout. — Hey ! brother, how is your health ? 
 Whither are you bound ? What I secret orders ? 
 Well, well, good luck to you!" Sec. 8cc. But as 
 we passed the Caravanserai Kandanharee, around 
 the gates of which a newly arrived cafilah was clus- 
 tered with its multitude of loaded camels, mules, 
 asses, and horses, I do not know how it happened, 
 but my attention was arrested by the appearance 
 of three or four men, muleteers, as it seemed, who 
 in the midst of all the bustle were lazily leaning 
 against the wall of the building in total idleness. 
 They eyed our array as it passed, I thought, with 
 
 A
 
 ADVENTURER. 15 
 
 a glance of greater interest than they bestowed 
 on any other object ; and in accidentally looking 
 backwards, my own eye fell on the countenance 
 of Goorbaun Allee, which was fixed on these very 
 men with a degree of intelligence and recognition 
 that surprised me at the moment, and which failed 
 not to come to my recollection afterwards ; but 
 the bustle of the scene around me, and the diffi- 
 culty of threading our way among the loaded 
 camels and their drivers, divided my attention for 
 the time, and the interest which had been excited 
 was foro;otten. 
 
 At length, about two hours after noon, we 
 cleared the gates of Mushed, and took the way 
 to Shereefabad, which place we reached before 
 sunset. But as our business was urgent, I resolved 
 to push onwards for another stage at least, to 
 Robaut-e-Suffeid, where the resting-place was an 
 old caravanserai, affording indeed few comforts, 
 but so far out of the way of general travellers, 
 that our arrival there was not likely either to be 
 known or reported in the neighbourhood. It was 
 in truth of no small consequence that we should 
 proceed with the utmost secresy as well as celerity, 
 as by that means we should become less exposed 
 to the attacks of the banditti with which the 
 country swarmed ; and the chance of alarming our 
 enemies, and thereby affording them time or op- 
 portunity for counteracting our intended nego- 
 tiations, would be proportionally diminished. 
 
 k
 
 16 THE PERSIAN 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE JOURNEY. 
 
 The night set in dark and dreary as we lost 
 sight of Shereefabad ; and as the twinkling lights 
 of the last village of the Ballook^' waxed faint in 
 the increasing obscurity, the members of our party 
 closed their files instinctively, gathered up their 
 reins, and felt their horses' mouths, as if to raise 
 their vigour and give them a hint of caution ; undid 
 the fastenings of their pistols, and loosened their 
 swords in their scabbards. The fuses of their 
 matchlocks remained unlit, for the fiery points 
 would have betrayed them ; a single match only 
 was kept burning, but carefully concealed from 
 view. Thus swiftly, but with caution and silence, 
 did we proceed ; myself along with Firoze Beg 
 leading the small column along the broad and 
 gravelly plain over which our road lay. 
 
 The moon, early in her first quarter, had long 
 
 * Distnct, or knot of villages. 
 
 M
 
 ADVENTURER. 17 
 
 set behind a dense mass of clouds, that rose above 
 the hills on our right, and gradually spread them- 
 selves over the face of the heavens. The few stars 
 which had hitherto shed a dubious light upon our 
 path, were thus, one by one, obscured ; until the 
 darkness became so complete, that we had to 
 trust to the safety and correctness of our progress 
 more to the instinct of our horses than to our own 
 sagacity or powers of vision. 
 
 For three hours at least we travelled on, and 
 had got over about five fursungs of ground, 
 when, as we were crossing one of the numerous 
 water-courses which abound in these mountains, 
 and overspread the plain at their feet with a de- 
 solating tract of rocks and gravel, the quick Car 
 of Firoze Beg caught a distant sound, which he 
 insisted was caused by the trampling of horses. 
 A halt was instantly called, and the clatter of our 
 own horses having ceased, we all could distinguish 
 the sound of hoofs upon the side of the mountain, 
 galloping as it seemed, and mustering together. 
 
 Strangers, as the most of our party were to this 
 part of the country, we should have been at a 
 loss how to proceed, so as to avoid the danger of 
 an attack on unknown and dubious ground, and 
 our situation would have been embarrassing 
 enough,, had not Firoze Beg stepped forward, 
 and declared that he was well acquainted with 
 every path and pass, both of the mountains and 
 
 h
 
 18 THE PERSIAN 
 
 the desert among which we were travelling. '* I 
 served as a boy," said he, " with Fyze-Oolah 
 Khan, who was master in these wild districts. His 
 followers never eat the salt of idleness ; and there 
 is not a dell nor ravine of these mountains — ay, nor 
 a yard of the plain on which we stand, over which 
 I have not marched or ridden at the heels of some 
 of his bold sowars.^ The torrent which in win- 
 ter covers the plain with these hills of gravel, and 
 floods a great portion of the clayey flat on our 
 left, has torn its course through as wild a ravine 
 as any which the Elburz can show in all their 
 long extent ; and though its inhospitable and 
 precipitous sides mock at every attempt at culti- 
 vation, it contains many a strong-hold known of 
 old to the daring robbers that haunted these dis- 
 tricts. I cannot doubt that the horse we have this 
 moment heard, and which are still near us, have 
 issued from the dark jaws of the Karagour. We 
 must prepare for a stout resistance ; for, if they 
 venture to attack us at all, it will be no child's 
 play. If it seems good to Ismael Khan, let the 
 party proceed straight along this open plain ; 
 while his slave will ride in flank, a little more to 
 the right, along the broken ground at the moun- 
 tain foot, and endeavour to discover something 
 of the force and intentions of these unknown 
 riders." 
 
 * Troopers — horsemeil. 
 
 A
 
 ADVENTURER. 19 
 
 I approved of this advice. Forming my people 
 into a compact body, I took the lead ; Goorbaun 
 AUee offered to attend, and point out the path ; 
 and I accepted his services ; while Firoze Beg, 
 taking advantage of a hollow that crossed the 
 road, darted off towards the foot of the mountains. 
 We held our course in perfect silence, and no 
 small anxiety, for more than half an hour, the 
 quick irregular tramp of our horses drowning all 
 lesser and more remote sounds, when a shrill but 
 distant whistle rose on the breeze of night, and 
 was quickly followed by the rapid beat of a horse 
 at full gallop. 
 
 All instantly and simultaneously halted ; and 
 in another moment the horseman himself was seen 
 emerging from the gloom, his arms and harness 
 rattling with his rapid motion. ^^ They come ! 
 they come!" cried Firoze Beg, for he it was. 
 ** Clap stirrups to yorur horses' flanks ; — lose not a 
 moment : — follow me for your lives : — follow to a 
 spot better suited for a stand :" and dashing into 
 the path, and springing forwards, he vanished in 
 the darkness from our sight, as he had broke upon 
 it. But the jingling of his arms gave token of his 
 course, and ere another second had elapsed the 
 whole party were at full speed at his heels. 
 
 *^ Alhumdul-illah !" ejaculated he, as after a 
 short but rapid burst he drew up a little, to bring 
 us within hearing. ^^ Thanks be to Allah ! here 
 
 k
 
 20 THE PERSIAN 
 
 is the place ;'' pointing to a dark mound, that 
 rose a short bowshot on the right of the path, and 
 properly commanded it. *' This tuppeh^ has more 
 than once before now done a good office for poor 
 fellows beset as we are like to be ; — and now, if 
 the dogs are not before us, it will help us again at 
 our need. Follow me quick ; I am your guide." 
 He pushed his horse up the stony side of the hil- 
 lock, followed by the whole party, helter-skelter, 
 unheeding of the darkness or any other obstacle. 
 But our course was suddenly arrested ; — the flash 
 of three or four matchlocks, with the hissing of 
 the balls over our heads, caused the greater num- 
 ber to rein up. — 'Not so Firoze Beg. " On ! on ! 
 heed them not," cried the gallant fellow, ^^ they'll 
 never stand our charge !" and followed by myself 
 and four or five others, we cleared the short space 
 above us at a bound, and stood upon the level 
 ground on the summit; just in time to see three 
 or four men running down the other side. " All is 
 safe," shouted I to the rest, and immediately our 
 little party was collected around me. 
 
 The post we had thus gained, so far as the 
 darkness permitted us to observe, was a small ele- 
 vated platform, which overlooked the black ex- 
 panse around. A few irregular and broken mounds 
 indicated that it had at one time been more effi- 
 
 * Hillock. 
 
 A
 
 ADVENTURER. 21 
 
 ciently occupied by buildings, probably of a defen- 
 sive description ; and it was, as our guide had de- 
 clared, calculated in every point of vievv^ for ena- 
 bling a small force to make good their defence 
 against superior numbers. Dismounting therefore 
 from our horses, and placing them in the centre of 
 the level space, we prepared for a severe and pro- 
 bably a protracted struggle, vi^ith foes of whose 
 numbers and quality we were as yet entirely ig- 
 norant. 
 
 The deep aud anxious silence which reigned 
 among us for the next half hour was interrupted 
 only by the occasional scream of a horse as he 
 lashed out his heels at his neighbour ; but then a 
 sullen hollow sound was borne upon the breeae, 
 and soon recognised as the distant trampling of 
 many horse, approaching from the quarter we had 
 left. Each man now prepared his arms, drew 
 in his breath, and mustered up his strength and 
 resolution for the impending assault. It came not 
 however ; and the sounds, after increasing upon 
 the ear for a while, began to wax faint, and di- 
 vide, as if those whose movements produced them 
 were dispersing, and pursuing various directions : 
 a few shrill whistles were heard, like signals 
 repeating one another, and all became gradually 
 still as before. 
 
 '^ What can be the meaning of this V whis- 
 pered I to Firoze Beg, when the last sounds had 
 
 I
 
 22 THE PERSIAN 
 
 ceased. " Who may these mysterious riders be ? 
 They cannot be friends ; and yet, how should foes 
 so superior in numbers as they must be (aware, 
 too, no doubt, of our position and our strength), 
 suffer us to renmin so long without an attempt t6 
 attack us ? Our march was not so noiseless but 
 they must have traced us/' — ^^ Yes, yes ! no doubt 
 we are traced," replied he, *^ and we shall hear 
 of it time enough. Their conduct may be strange ; 
 but this apparent backwardness is, in my opinion, 
 more to be dreaded than instant attack ; the tiger 
 only dallies with his prey when surest of his 
 spring. In these plains none are likely to be met 
 with but the robbers who harbour in the neigh- 
 bouring mountains, or the riders of Mouzuffer 
 Khan of Toorbut : the first, had they scented 
 booty, and thought themselves able for a blow, 
 would have tried our strength before now. I can- 
 not say I like it ; there is treachery in the wind, 
 be sure of it, sir." — ^' Treachery ! " repeated I ; 
 " and from whom — who have we to fear?" — 
 " Hush ! " returned Firoze Beg ; " be cautious, 
 or there may be too many in our councils. I fear 
 it from the very chief you go to visit ; a chief, 
 cruel, unprincipled, and deceitful — at once to be 
 hated and dreaded." — " But what can I have to 
 dread from his evil dispositions ? There is no 
 blood between us : I don't even know him ; and 
 now I go as a peaceful negotiator." — " All that 
 
 m
 
 ADVENTURER. 23 
 
 is true, and yet there may be danger ; you know 
 not MouzufFer Khan. Should he be aware of 
 your mission, and that is far from impossible, (for 
 he has zealous and well paid agents,) and should 
 its object be displeasing to him, be assured that 
 he will scruple at no means to arrest or counter- 
 act it. Were your slave to suggest — " added 
 he, musing — *^ but no ! that cannot be.''— "What 
 cannot be?" — *' Nothing, nothing! let us con- 
 sider what is best to be done." — " Firoze Beg, I 
 must know what you mean : you know this dan- 
 gerous chief: you are a man of experience, and 
 I value your advice; — what is it, then? speak 
 openly." — " My advice, sir, is not much worth, 
 I fear : certainly I do not admire our presejut 
 service, and I wish it had fallen into other hands ; 
 for I anticipate little advantage or credit from it, 
 but much danger, perhaps the loss of liberty and 
 life. But it is in vain to regret this now ; we 
 must face the danger which cannot be shunned." 
 — " We must do so," replied I, rather coldly, as 
 the hint which seemed to be implied in these ob- 
 servations jarred somewhat unpleasantly upon my 
 sense of duty : " the orders of the governor of 
 course must be obeyed. I only desire to know 
 what you consider the best means for doing so 
 effectually." — " Good sir," replied Firoze Beg, 
 *' your slave comprehends, nor will you find him 
 among the least forward to sacrifice his life, if 
 
 I
 
 24 THE PERSIAN 
 
 required, in the cause ; and now that the enemy, 
 if such they prove to be, have left us at Uberty 
 for a time, though I cannot beheve them to be far 
 distant, it w^ould be best, I think, to push forward 
 as fast as prudence will permit. Once within the 
 acknowledged territories of Mouzuffer Khan, we 
 become his guests and under his protection, and 
 shall be safe, at least from open assault: it is only 
 in these wild contested border districts, where vio- 
 lence and rapine prevail, that recourse would be 
 had to such underhand attempts, where the ban- 
 ditti of the mountains would have the credit of a 
 dark deed, if successful; and the khan might, if 
 he pleased, lament in public the fate of those who 
 fell by his own private orders." — '^ And whither 
 would you have us now retreat to ? " — " Scarcely 
 two fursungs hence there stands an old caravan- 
 serai : it is not in the best repair, but will afford 
 us the means of spending the night in more com- 
 fort than we could do ,here ; and it is capable of 
 being better defended in case of an attack." — 
 " And where does it lie ? " — ^' You see yon streak 
 of lurid light ? — that is the direction : let us mount 
 silently and at once ; the less noise we make the' 
 better; perhaps even at this moment we are 
 watched." — '* That is not unlikely; but surely 
 you have no suspicion of any one among ourselves ? 
 What did you mean by that caution just now ? 
 Speak frankly out to me : that is but my due as 
 
 *
 
 ADVENTURER. 25 
 
 your commander." — " Well, sir, I may be 
 wrong ; but be cautious of that man,'* pointing to 
 Goorbaun AUee; who, during the time of our 
 conversation, had more than once approached, as 
 if he wished to listen. *' MouzufFer Khan has 
 many agents. Let an eye be kept on him ; and 
 see that he quits us not." — '* I understand, — you 
 may be right. I too have seen what I neither 
 comprehended nor liked in his demeanour. But 
 let us away." — " Follow me, then," said he ; 
 ** follow closely and confidently. I know the 
 path blindfold." 
 
 The word was quickly passed : in one moment 
 each hand was on the bridle rein — the next, each 
 man was in his saddle ; and following the swift 
 action of our guide, we slid and scrambled down 
 the steep side of the hillock, and launched fear- 
 lessly over the dark plain at its foot. Neither 
 whip nor stirrup* were spared, and the fire flew 
 from the heels of our horses, as they spurned the 
 flinty ground, or struck and scrambled over the 
 large stones that lay thickly strewed over its sur- 
 face. Keenly did every eye strive to penetrate 
 the darkness around us, while our ears were in 
 vain on the stretch to catch some sound besides 
 the incessant clattering of our horses' hoofs ; but 
 
 • The stirrups of most eastern nations have broad shovel-like 
 irons for the feet to rest in. The edges of them are sharp, and are 
 used as spurs. They often cut and gore the horse severely. 
 VOL. I. B ' 
 
 i
 
 26 THE PERSIAN 
 
 nothing certain could be detected : a faint cry 
 indeed was heard in the direction of the moun- 
 tains on our right; but it might have been the 
 howl of a wolf or a jackall, many of which we 
 surprised in our rapid course ; and one of the 
 party caught the sudden glimpse of a spark of 
 light, but it was gone before he could point it out 
 to his companions, and appeared no more. We 
 swept onwards like the blast of the desert : our 
 progress was to be measured by minutes, not by 
 hours ; and no long time elapsed before our guide 
 suddenly checked his speed, and pointing to a 
 faint red gleam which issued from an obscure 
 mass at some distance, " Yonder is our mark," 
 said he ; ** but see, it is already occupied. We 
 must approach it cautiously: let me go forward 
 and reconnoitre." — " Stop," said I. " I will ac- 
 company you ;" and immediately halting the 
 party, we dismounted, and crept on in wary 
 silence. 
 
 As we approached, the form of the building 
 rose gradually to view, dimly portrayed upon 
 the lesser darkness of the sky; but the light 
 which had attracted our notice was seen no more, 
 until turning an angle of the building we dis- 
 covered it still faintly gleaming from the huge 
 portal, and reddening with its reflection a part of 
 the projecting tower. 
 
 Still maintaining a cautious distance, we exa-
 
 ADVENTURER. 27 
 
 mined the niche from whence it issued, and beheld 
 two men seated by a fire, in one of the small cells 
 of the ofateway itself. They were armed ; for 
 their matchlocks leaned agmnst the wall behind 
 them : other warlike accoutrements were also dis- 
 tinguishable on their j>ersons. They were busily 
 discussing some victuals which had probably been 
 just cooked at their fire, while every now and 
 then they conversed together ^ith an air of great 
 interest. 
 
 Desirous to ascertain whether others miofht not 
 be concealed within call, we drew near, purposely 
 making some noise to attract their attention ; upon 
 which the men, starting to their feet and seizing 
 their arms, demanded in mihtary phrase, " Who 
 approached ?" accompanying the query with an 
 order to stand, on peril of being saluted with a 
 matchlock ball. " Two travellers," was the reply, 
 '* benighted and weary, on their way to Toorbut. 
 We seek the shelter of this old caravanserai, and 
 are glad to find that it contains others with whom 
 we may join for mutual protection." — " Hum I" 
 muttered one, ** travellers to Toorbut ? Its a 
 good way ftx)m hence to Toorbut ; and what may 
 be your business there?" — " ^VTiy, what is that 
 to any but ourselves ? We have business perhaps 
 with the Khan, — ^what then ?" — " Oh ! nothing 
 certainly ; but for our parts, we join companies 
 with none. You will find plenty of accommo-
 
 28 THE PERSIAN 
 
 dation within ; — plenty of empty chambers. So, 
 bismillah ! pass on, and leave us in peace where 
 we are." — *^ Churlish enough by the Prophet ! 
 What are you afraid of, friends ? why refuse us 
 part of your fire and fare ? You shall partake of 
 ours; and conversation will make the time pass 
 pleasantly." — " Excuse us ; we are just retiring 
 to rest, and don't want to be disturbed ; and as to 
 fear, we may surely say, without confessing our- 
 selves to be cowards, that this is neither a time 
 nor a place for trusting every stranger who makes 
 his appearance. There are too many rogues about 
 for such easy confidence. So peace be with you ; 
 leave us to ourselves." — " Very good. God pro- 
 tect you ! It matters not to us : our companions 
 without are sufficient for us." — " Companions ! 
 To-kodah ! there are more of you then?" ex- 
 claimed the man with a startled air, and throwing 
 forward his matchlock, as if to prepare against in- 
 stant danger. " Yes, yes," rejoined we ; *' but fear 
 not. We meddle with no one if we are let alone." 
 — " Alone ! oh to be sure. We trouble no one. 
 You are all very welcome." Upon this, making 
 the signal agreed on to our comrades, the whole 
 party cantered forwards, and rode at once into the 
 court-yard of the caravanserai. 
 
 A total chano;e in the behaviour of our two 
 friends was the immediate result of this display of 
 our force. They descended with alacrity to bid 
 
 H.
 
 ADVENTURER. 29 
 
 US welcome ; offered calleeoons to Firoze Beg and 
 myself ; supplied us with fire ; shared their stock 
 of fuel with us ; pointed out what they assured 
 us were the best chambers in the place, and 
 offered to assist in sweeping them clear of the 
 cattle-dung and dust with which they were in- 
 cumbered. But Firoze Beg, giving me a sign to 
 follow, led the way to a detached part of the 
 building, where a narrow staircase gave access to 
 certain upper cells. 
 
 These had been separated from the rest of the 
 structure by the fall of intermediate parts, and 
 being thus insulated, were more susceptible of 
 defence in case of attack, than any other part of 
 the building. Of them we took possession, not- 
 withstanding the persuasions of our new friends, 
 who advised us to occupy the lower and more 
 spacious vaults. We lighted fires, and made 
 every arrangement calculated for spending the 
 night in tolerable comfort. Strict watch was set, 
 and the rest of our people stretching themselves 
 on the hard floor, were soon fast asleep. 
 
 For my part I could not rest. The suddenness 
 and singular nature of this journey ; the untoward 
 omens which had accompanied its commence- 
 ment, and the mysterious alarm which had already 
 attracted our notice, had so excited and agitated 
 my mind, that to sleep, or even to remain inac- 
 tive, was impossible. After long vainly attempting 
 
 i
 
 30 THE PERSIAN 
 
 to compose myself to rest, I started up at length, 
 and sought the open air upon the platform of the 
 roof, where in a few minutes I was joined by 
 Firoze Beg ; who, equally wakeful with myself, 
 had observed me leave the chamber. 
 
 " So, Ismael Khan is sleepless," observed he 
 in a subdued voice — " This is not well : a long 
 journey Hes before us ; — perhaps severer duty ; 
 and rest is needful to fit us for its toils." — ^' True," 
 replied I ; '' and wherefore does not Firoze Beg 
 take that needful refreshment ?" — ^" I cannot, sir. 
 The events of this night are enough to make me 
 watchful ; for they indicate treachery and danger. 
 You know not, as I do, the people amongst whom 
 we go. They are crafty, unprincipled, and blood- 
 thirsty. We are watched beyond all doubt ; and 
 well may we be jealous of their object in so 
 doing: besides, I feel as if all were not right. 
 Forgive me ! I am half ashamed to confess it ; 
 but there is a load, — a sense of evil, weighing on 
 my breast, which assures me of imminent mis- 
 fortune," — ^' How? This from you, Firoze Beg? 
 I thought you a bolder fellow : — you are unwell, 
 or fatigued — that is all. Go, take your rest. I 
 will watch in the mean time, and you know Aiat 
 I may be depended on." 
 
 I said these words with a cheerful tone, al- 
 though by no means free from the depressing 
 presages of my companion; but my attempt to
 
 ADVENTURER. 31 
 
 laugh away his anxiety was in vain. '' A bold 
 fellow I'* repeated he, with a serious shake of his 
 head, '^ it is not Ismael Khan who should doubt 
 the courage of Firoze Beg ; nor shall he find him 
 backward in the hour of trial, be its nature what 
 it rnay. But mark his words ; our utmost re- 
 solution and coolest judgment will be required to 
 meet it when it comes." — *^ But what precisely 
 do you dread V demanded I : ^' we are messengers 
 of peace ; we go not to Toorbut as enemies." — 
 " True ! the conduct of MouzufFer Khan has been 
 equivocal of late ; but even were he treacherously 
 inclined against our master, why should his ill--svill 
 be directed against servants such as we ?" — 
 " What can I know?" replied he : " how can I ^ell 
 what may lurk in the dark and crooked mind of 
 Mouzuffer Khan? Perhaps he may not choose 
 that an officer of Nadir's may view his country, 
 and judge of his resources, or attempt to detect 
 the extent of his connection with the AfFghauns. 
 Perhaps he may wish to have it hereafter in his 
 power to declare that no mission from the go- 
 vernor of Khorrassan ever reached him ; and im- 
 pute to him as a slight so palpable a piece of 
 neglect, should circumstances render such excul- 
 pation expedient. Were such his object it would 
 be no doubt very convenient to have such envoys 
 as us all spirited away, while yet at a distance 
 from the acknowledged sphere of his influence, as
 
 32 THE PERSIAN 
 
 the robbers who notoriously infest this desert 
 tract would in that case bear the blame of the 
 misfortune ; and I have too good cause to know 
 that a hint to these plunderers from so powerful a 
 quarter would have all due effect. Had those 
 who have dogged us to-night been acting for them- 
 selves, we would have felt their strength before 
 now.'* 
 
 *' I see it ; I see you may be right. Our situa- 
 tion is a puzzling one. We cannot, if we would, 
 retreat : courage and caution are our only re- 
 sources ; — we must now decide on how to act. 
 What do you advise?" — "What can I say? 
 Circumstances must guide us ; the very move- 
 ments of our enemies may afford us hints. If 
 our suspicions are well founded, the direct road to 
 Toorbut is surely to be avoided ; for it has many 
 dangerous passes, where we should find ourselves 
 at the mercy of an assailant. There is another 
 path, difficult indeed, and intricate, but well 
 known to me. It leads through the mountains 
 high above the more frequented route, and is not 
 without its own peculiar dangers ; but the chance 
 of freedom from molestation which it offers 
 renders it better than any other in our choice ; 
 and if you approve of it, sir, I am ready to guide 
 you. What are your orders ?" 
 
 I mused for a while. For the first time a shade 
 of suspicion crossed my mind. Could Firoze Beg
 
 ADVENTURER. 33 
 
 himself be a traitor ? But the painful and unworthy 
 feeling was but momentary ; his frank and earnest 
 bearing had nothing of treachery about it. I had 
 seen him fight too, and shed his blood too, as no 
 traitor ever did : it was impossible. His words, 
 moreover, bore all the stamp of reason and of 
 truth. That danger was in our path could not 
 be doubted ; perhaps we were already in the toils ; 
 but all that could now be done was to encounter 
 treachery, should it be among us, with vigilance 
 and caution, and to meet open danger with 
 the promptness and resolution of men long accus- 
 tomed to perils of every kind. These reflections 
 occupied but a few seconds. 
 
 *' I beheve your advice is good," said 1: *' let 
 the plan be adopted. When should we start?" 
 *' I would fain enter the mountains by the hght 
 of dawn," rejoined Firoze Beg ; for the path 
 is intricate. Where is Goorbaun Allee ? He 
 is a native of these parts, and whether true or 
 false to us, his experience may aid mine." We 
 returned to the cells of our party, and shaking 
 together the dying embers of our fire, looked 
 around for Goorbaun Allee ; but he was nowhere 
 to be found among the sleepers ; and the space 
 he had occupied was vacant. " Strange this !" 
 whispered I. *Mt is worse than strange," re- 
 turned Firoze Beg, in the same cautious tone : 
 ** this goes far to confirm your slave's suspicions."
 
 34 THE PERSIAN 
 
 Then after musing for a moment, " He must be 
 found ; I will go myself and seek him. See, here 
 are his matchlock and joals ; * he has not left us 
 altogether." — *' I will accompany you," said I, 
 with a slight revival of my recent suspicion ; and 
 immediately descending the narrow staircase, we 
 entered the court of the caravanserai. 
 
 All there was silent and deserted. With one 
 impulse we crossed to the gateway, in which was 
 the resting-place of our friends of the evening 
 before. A faint flickering gleam still shot up 
 from some embers that had lately been raked 
 together ; but the light fell on nothing within. 
 We ascended cautiously to the entrance of the 
 cell, and threw an eager glance around it. It was 
 empty, — deserted. *^ Hah !" exclaimed Firoze 
 Beg, after a moment's examination, ^^ all is plain 
 enough now. Oh ! fools that we are ! that 
 the truth should never have crossed our minds !" 
 *' What do you mean, what is the truth ?" inquired 
 I impatiently. ^' What, sir ! are your eyes still 
 shut? do you not perceive it? See you not 
 that those two men who occupied this cell were 
 spies upon our path ? that they have now gone 
 to join their comrades, with an account of our 
 position and plans?" — ^^ Punah be Khodahlf 
 you are right ; — ^it is plain, too plain ; and Goor- 
 baun Allee has assuredly left us to join them." 
 
 * Travelling bags. t Gud protect me.
 
 ADVENTURER. 35 
 
 " Whether that be the case or not,'' said he, 
 " our course is clear — not a moment must be lost ; 
 no waiting for dawn now ; it is but too near at 
 hand : we must rouse the men, and mount imme- 
 diately. They think us quiet enough till day-light : 
 this false security may prove to us the means of 
 eluding their vigilance ; and by taking a different 
 path, we may escape them altogether." " Right ! 
 be it so," answered I; ^' and now to awaken the 
 men." But just as we were entering our cell a 
 footstep behind us caught our attention, and re- 
 tiring into the deep shadow thrown by the wall, 
 we watched for the intruder. 
 
 It was Goorbaun Allee, who stealing cautiously 
 towards the cell, prepared to resume his place. 
 " Who is that ?" exclaimed I, as if suddenly 
 awakened from sleep. '' It is I," said the fel- 
 low, starting at the question. ** Where have you 
 been ?" ''I heard the horses kicking at each 
 other," replied he, with evident confusion, ^' and 
 went to see if all was secure." " Well, they 
 may spare their strength for the road," returned 
 I, " they will soon be wanted ; we march immedi- 
 ately." — " Immediately, sir !" re-echoedhe; 'Svhat, 
 without any more rest ? — neither men nor horses 
 are fit for it." '' We must try," said I coolly ; " and 
 no fear but they will make out the day's journey." 
 *' Will not your lordship wait till day?" ^' By 
 no means ; we have lost too much time already in
 
 36 THE PERSIAN 
 
 such indifferent quarters, and the sooner we quit 
 them the better. Halloo ! men, up — up and be 
 ready !" — ^^ If that be the case I will go and have 
 the horses harnessed below ;" and he was making 
 off without waiting my reply, when, before I had 
 time to speak, Firoze Beg, interposing his per- 
 son, prevented Goorbaun Allee from leaving the 
 cell. " I would humbly suggest to Ismael Khan," 
 said he, '^ that Goorbaun Allee, as an experienced 
 guide, will be required near his own person; it 
 is not expedient for him to quit the presence." 
 ** Quite right," replied I ; *' Goorbaun Allee shall 
 be my jeloodar for this night. I wish to have his 
 advice, and the use of his practised eyes on the 
 march." No reply was made to this arrangement. 
 The people, awakened by my voice, were stretch- 
 ing themselves, and slowly rising to their feet ; 
 the embers of the smouldering fire, shaken toge- 
 ther, suddenly emitted a blaze, by which I per- 
 ceived Goorbaun Allee silently stealing from the 
 cell. " Stop !" cried I, in an angry tone, " did 
 you not hear my orders ? whither do you go ? — 
 Have a care ; this pistol in my belt has done its 
 duty before now at my bidding. — Beware !" Mut- 
 tering some unintelligible excuse, the fellow re- 
 turned, and busied himself with collecting his 
 arms and accoutrements in readiness to attend 
 me. 
 
 All was soon prepared ; our horses had scarcely
 
 ADVENTURER. 37 
 
 time to swallow the scanty allowance of com 
 which their tobras'^ contained, when the saddles 
 were replaced, and the men once more in their 
 seats. Placing Goorbaun Allee between Firoze 
 Beg and myself, we left the caravanserai, and 
 striking across the plain to the left of our former 
 road, we soon quitted the hard and solid gravel, 
 and became aware that our horses were tread- 
 ing upon clay, in some places hard and dry, 
 in others moist. 
 
 '* How comes this, sir? — where have we got 
 to ?" exclaimed Goorbaun Allee, who till then 
 had proceeded in sullen silence, and probably 
 without paying much attention to the course we 
 kept. *' This is not the right road ; we are fill 
 astray !'' " By no means," replied Firoze Beg, 
 calmly ; " we intend to proceed by the Koh-e- 
 sheergoola path : we have good reason for avoid- 
 ing that of Soorkmoolla." " You are mad!" ex- 
 claimed Goorbaun Allee. " You speak of a path 
 that is not practicable ! Well as I know this 
 country, and often as I have travelled both ways, 
 I would not engage to keep the track which leads 
 to Koh-e-sheergoola for a single mile, without 
 broad day-light. It would be impossible even to 
 find the way across this kubeer,f which con- 
 tains so many dangerous quicksands and morasses ; 
 and still more so to hit the opening of the httle 
 
 * Nose-bags, f Salt desert j often moist.
 
 38 THE PERSIAN 
 
 trodden and dangerous ascent, in a night so dark 
 as this." " We shall have broad day-hght soon 
 enough for our purpose/' coolly responded Fi- 
 roze Beg; " and meantime it is the Khan's or- 
 ders that you sharpen your wits, and assist me in 
 picking out this blind road." ^' Wullah ! it is 
 madness, I tell you. You will all perish ; and as 
 for me, in truth I have seldom passed this kubeer : 
 listen to reason and return." ^^ Miscreant ! I 
 would I had an hundred tomauns for every dark 
 night you have passed in this track. I might be 
 Khan, and a mimbashee then, instead of a poor 
 soldier as I am. Come, have a care ! no words ! 
 but do your duty." ^^ How am I to do my duty, as 
 you call it, when I can't see a yard before me ? 
 and you watch me as if I were a prisoner ; so that 
 I can't feel for the path." *^ Listen, friend," in- 
 terrupted I, ^^ once more I warn you to look to 
 yourself ; your conduct has already awakened 
 suspicion ; you are watched, and the smallest act 
 of an equivocal character will make your brain ac- 
 quainted with a bullet. We know your ability as a 
 guide, and if you value your head, beware that we 
 have no further cause to doubt your honesty." 
 
 No more was said for a while ; but, as we pro- 
 ceeded, we became alarmed at finding the clay 
 beneath us yielding under the horses' feet, and 
 occasionally covered with water, which flowed over 
 their fetlocks. Firoze Beg at length became un-
 
 ADVENTURER. 39 
 
 easy at the continuance and even the increase of 
 these appearances. ** There are, I know, in this 
 kubeer," said he to me apart, " many spots 
 where the sand is quick, and the mud danger- 
 ously deep and soft, as that scoundrel has truly 
 said ; and the worst of it is, that the quicksands 
 sometimes shift their place. I am certain that the 
 right track is not far from hence ; but, to hit it 
 exactly in this gloomy starless night, may prove 
 too much for my penetration. This Goorbaun Al- 
 ice here, I have little doubt, could lead us if he 
 chose ; but there is no trusting him beyond eye- 
 shot. — Hear you, friend, will you engage to guide 
 us faithfully, and so prove your honesty ?" " How 
 can I find my way," once more grumbled Goor- 
 baun Alice, " unless you permit me to seek it 
 freely ? you watch and check me like a prisoner. 
 Give me free scope, and I will answer for finding 
 the track." ^^ Ay, friend, I believe you," re- 
 pUed I ; " and we might keep our own for you. 
 No, fellow ! whether we remain here but till morn- 
 ing, or never quit this spot, you shall stay with 
 us, and share our fate ; — that I promise you. You 
 shall carry no news of our mishap, either to 
 friends or foes ; so, if you value your own life, 
 you must point out the way to preserve ours." 
 Just as I uttered these words the horse he rode 
 moving on a pace or two in advance of mine, 
 plunged up to the shoulder in a hole, covering
 
 40 THE PERSIAN 
 
 the rider with mud and water. " Ai, Khodah 
 Buzoorg ! Ah! great God!" exclaimed he, thrown 
 off his guard by the accident, '^ if you want to 
 clear these terrible morasses, gallop to the right 
 for your lives. If you choose to spread your car- 
 pets, and take up your abode here for ever, for 
 God's sake send me about my business !" " Shoo- 
 ker Khodah!^ he is right ;" exclaimed Firoze 
 Beg: " behold yon star ; our good angel has made 
 it visible among these thick clouds ; and yonder 
 is the point where it sets. Now do I know my 
 way ; follow me, and we shall do well enough ; 
 and keep a good look-out upon that slippery 
 haramzadeh."f 
 
 Retracing our way for about fifty yards, Fi- 
 roze Beg then inclined to the right,- where, al- 
 though we still had the water splashing under 
 foot, our horses trod upon a firm bottom ; and 
 we proceeded safely and swiftly, until in no long 
 time we found ourselves once more upon a hard 
 gravelly plain. By and by the dark shadowy 
 form of a hill rose in front, increasing in black- 
 ness and distinctness, until we felt, as it were, 
 oppressed by its close vicinity. " Here is the point 
 of difficulty," whispered Firoze Beg. " If we 
 fail here, the consequence may be fatal ; for even 
 a short delay may undo us. Keep an eye on 
 Goorbaun Allee, while I examine the ground and 
 
 * Thank God. t Base-born villain. 
 
 M
 
 ADVENTURER. 41 
 
 seek for the path/' He sprung from his horse, 
 and addressed himself with earnestness, and for 
 some time ineffectually, to discover the object of 
 his search. It was an anxious and painful space ; 
 but it did not continue very long. The night had 
 been far spent before we reached the caravanserai ; 
 it was now an hour and a half since we had 
 quitted it. Morning was at hand, and the grey 
 dawn stealing on, was almost imperceptibly throw- 
 ing its cold light over the face of the landscape ; 
 peaks and ridges became gradually visible, and 
 Firoze Beg began to recognise the well-known 
 land-marks of the pass. " Shookher ! shookher!" 
 at last exclaimed he, '' all is right ; here we have 
 it, and now you have only to follow me. — Move 
 with caution, and one at a time: this is not a 
 path for riding pell-mell in." 
 
 He told the truth ; the path, difficult from the 
 first, became soon almost impracticable. After 
 riding for nearly two miles, among bare earthy 
 hillocks, our guide struck right up the face of an 
 enormous bed of rock, upon which were scattered 
 plentifully huge fragments, which time and the 
 fury of the elements had shattered from its sur- 
 face. Entering a shallow cleft in this rocky mass, 
 which deepened as it slanted upwards, we found 
 ourselves at length in a chasm of the mountain ; 
 the steep sides and bottom of which were covered 
 with shivered blocks of stone, sharp, and bare. 
 
 k
 
 42 THE PERSIAN 
 
 and fresh, as if they had just been scattered by 
 the thunderbolt from the parent difFs above. 
 Here there was no path, and we could only urge 
 along our struggling and panting horses, wherever 
 footing could be found, or keeping the top of 
 the ravine in view, permit them to choose for 
 themselves ; whether crawling along the brink of 
 a yawning abyss, from which they shrank with 
 instinctive dread, and leaned towards the moun- 
 tain side above them ; or, in scrambling across 
 steep banks of loose stones, which would occa- 
 sionally give way in great masses, clattering down- 
 wards with fearful din, and carrying the terrified 
 animals along with them for many yards. The 
 danger and the toil was so great, that each man 
 found sufficient occupation in the care of himself 
 and horse, and consequently paid but little at- 
 tention to the movements of his neighbour. Of 
 this the crafty Goorbaun AUee was perfectly 
 aware, and prepared, as it turned out, to avail 
 himself. Just as we had reached within a few 
 yards of the gorge above us, the slope of which, 
 as often is the case, was even more precipitous 
 than that of the lower parts of the pass, he 
 suddenly fixed himself in the saddle, and leaning 
 forward, dashed his stirrups against the side of 
 his panting horse, forcing him to bound up the 
 space of the ascent which remained ; in a moment 
 he gained the top ; and before we, who were 
 
 i
 
 i 
 
 ADVENTURER. 43 
 
 behind, confounded at the boldness of the act, 
 could stir in the pursuit, disappeared on the other 
 side. In another instant Firoze Beg and myself, 
 with a simultaneous effort, sprung after him, 
 and reached the top of the pass just in time to see 
 the fellow gain a precipitous part of the descent 
 beyond — throw himself from his horse, and dart- 
 ing with fearful velocity down a cleft of giddy 
 steepness, disappear from our sight. 
 
 Each of us, as we caught the first glimpse of 
 his retreating figure, instinctively drew a pistol 
 from our belts and fired : at the same time we 
 charged forward, till the precipice brought us up ; 
 and the accelerated speed of his downward pro- 
 gress gave me reason to exclaim, '' He has it : it 
 is over with him. See he has fallen." — '^ No, no ! 
 I fear not," replied Firoze Beg, shaking his head 
 with an air of disappointment, *^ Goorbaun AUee 
 is too old a fox to miss the way to his own hole. 
 Well does he know this ground : be assured it is 
 not his first exploit here. But hit or missed, he 
 is off for this time ; for we cannot follow him 
 there without quitting our horses ; and ten to one 
 we should fall into some ambuscade. No ! let us 
 on the contrary lose no precious time, but push 
 forward. If he is safe we may hear of him but 
 too soon. If he has met the fate he merits, we 
 may escape unquestioned." 
 
 The gorge opened upon a more elevated track.
 
 44 THE PERSIAN 
 
 varied with peaks and ridges of rock, or hill-sides 
 covered with shapeless masses of dark-grey stone, 
 scantily interspersed with short, dry, prickly shrubs. 
 As we advanced, almost as it seemed at random 
 amongst this confusion, the prospect opened wider : 
 glimpses might be caught between the gloomy 
 brows of the retreating mountains, and far, far be- 
 low, of the plain beneath us, so distant, that it re- 
 sembled a dark and troubled sea ; and after advan- 
 cing a mile or two further, we could distinguish the 
 deep valley through which the regular road wound 
 along, with its passes and gorges of far inferior 
 elevation. " Yonder," observed Firoze Beg, *' is 
 a promising chain of cothuls and dehinehs (passes 
 and gorges) for poor beset fellows like us to 
 thread. By the sword of Allee there was not a 
 chance of our getting through them ! Not Secun- 
 der Roomee,^ nor Shah Ismael, your namesake, 
 khan ; no ; nor our old master himself, who is as 
 much of a leader as the best of them, could have 
 taken that road with a hope of living through it 
 in the face of the fellows who are after us. But 
 here we have fair play : the devil himself could 
 get no higher ; and these fellows have no notion 
 we are so far out of their reach, as they shall find 
 us to be, inshallah !" 
 
 We still maintained this desirable elevation, 
 passing over much difficult and toilsome, but com- 
 
 * Alexander the Great. 
 
 A
 
 ADVENTURER. 45 
 
 paratively open ground, until at length, having 
 traversed almost the whole breadth of the range, 
 the track, if track it might be called, entering the 
 superior part of a narrow chasm, began to descend 
 as abruptly as it had before ascended. The dell 
 soon increased in width and depth: formidable 
 avalanches had left their scarred traces on the 
 sides of the mountains ; and here and there it 
 sunk into a gulf, of which the eye could not 
 fathom the depth. The path, a mere goat track, 
 was perilous in the extreme ; but the very difficulty 
 was in itself a security against attack, for no foe 
 could approach us unawares. 
 
 Plunging thus at times by a zig-zag downward 
 path into a deep and shadowy hollow, and thence 
 perhaps rising with sore toil over the sharp ridge 
 of a protruding spur, or slanting along the steep 
 and stony side of the mountain, with beetling 
 cliffs on the one hand, and fearful sheer descent 
 on the other, we pursued our route cautiously, 
 but with all the speed we dared to exert. Ever 
 and anon we cast a jealous eye both above and 
 below ; and such progress had we made, that the 
 load of anxiety and doubt which had hitherto op- 
 pressed us, began to wear off, as we saw ourselves 
 approaching the less inhospitable districts at our 
 feet; and some words of congratulation at our 
 escape were interchanged among us ; but Firoze 
 Beg still shook his head. '^ I hope all this may 
 
 I
 
 46 THE PERSIAN 
 
 prove true/' said he ; " but it is too soon yet to 
 talk of security. You see that great projecting 
 rock there, where the dark shadow rests; it is 
 still a full fursung distant ; and the first village 
 we pass lies scarcely so far beyond it. Were we 
 once past that point, I too should talk of safety ; 
 for I should think that we had outwitted our foes, 
 and baffled their pursuit : but many a prey has 
 been struck, and many a merchant's store rifled, 
 and many a throat cut, in the pass of Kothul-e- 
 zaug ; ay, and by them who lay lurking in the 
 very crags around us." 
 
 Scarcely had he uttered these words when one 
 of our party who had for some time been gazing 
 around and above him with suspicious glances, 
 exclaimed: — " Hark ! what noise is that? surely it 
 is not thunder: — listen." The horse of Firoze 
 Beg was checked in a moment. " Halt ! halt ! 
 all of you men ! By the might of Alice, Meer 
 Cassim is right. Thunder ? no ! it is themselves : 
 it is the villains who have been dogging us all 
 night. This way, noble Ismael ! this way : not a 
 foot of the hill must be lost ! By your own souls, 
 and in the Prophet's name, trust to me, and 
 follow me !" 
 
 At this time we were pursuing our course along 
 the indenting of a chasm, which furrowed the side 
 of the principal glen ; and the path wound down- 
 wards rapidly, until turning an angle formed by
 
 i 
 
 ADVENTURER. 47 
 
 the opposite lip of the hollow, it emerged again 
 upon the open face of the mountain. During the 
 momentary halt, when the earnest appeal of Fi- 
 roze Beg had silenced every sound among us, the 
 trampling of horses had been distinctly audible ; 
 and it was no longer dubious that the sound pro- 
 ceeded from a considerable body in rapid motion. 
 Quitting the obvious path, Firoze Beg pushed 
 his horse sharply up the bare side of the cleft, 
 slanting along a scarcely perceptible track, formed 
 by the goats which feed in the summer months 
 among the mountains ; and following him as 
 closely as the perilous nature of the ground would 
 permit, we soon reached the open hill-side, far 
 above the lower and regular path. 
 
 No sooner had the foremost of our party ap- 
 peared above the ridge than they were saluted by a 
 yell, which arose from the mouths of full fifty mount- 
 ed armed men below us ; and instantly we saw them 
 all quitting the path, which till then they had 
 kept, and spurring furiously up the steep moun- 
 tain side in full charge against us. — *' Quick, 
 men ! quick ; form on this little terrace ; unsling 
 your matchlocks: mark the foremost of these 
 fellows," shouted Firoze Beg. — " Be cool, men ; 
 be steady," added I, casting a rapid glance around, 
 and comprehending at once the full peril of our 
 situation ; — '* throw not a shot away : remember 
 the gholaums of Nadir never miss their mark :
 
 48 THE PERSIAN 
 
 take the first that come ; they will sweep others 
 along with them in their fall." 
 
 It was fortunate for us that we had maintained, 
 even to this moment, the precaution of carrying 
 the fuses of our fire-arms a-light ; the matchlocks 
 were ready in a moment ; and, before my caution 
 had been fully uttered, a dozen shots rang in quick 
 succession, veiling all in front of us in a wreath of 
 light-blue smoke. But as the faint morning air 
 wafted this temporary veil away, the scene was 
 changed. A moment before, the steep shingly 
 side of the mountain had been covered with horse- 
 men, who scattering from the continuous line in 
 which they had hitherto marched, were pressing 
 upwards, each with the best speed he could exert, 
 regardless of the danger or the consequences of a 
 failure : — it now was strewed with meri and horses 
 who, struck by our balls, or startled by our fire, 
 had fallen, and were rolling rapidly over and over 
 into the deep hollow below. Many of the jaded 
 horses, unable to second the keenness of those 
 who urged them on, stumbled, or reared and fell 
 backwards, head over heels, carrying with them 
 their unfortunate riders ; or sliding downwards 
 with the loose stones through which they were 
 floundering, carried with them an accumulating 
 mass which involved others in its descent. 
 
 Terrible cries arose : cries of w^ounded men, and 
 the despairing shrieks of those who were swept
 
 ADVENTURER. 49 
 
 downwards to their fate, mingled with the curses 
 of our assailants, and our own shouts of triumph 
 at their confusion. But though severely checked 
 they were not by any means discouraged ; and 
 the disparity of numbers against our small band 
 was still almost hopelessly great. Our position 
 was a good one, it is true ; but we lay exposed to 
 the fire of those who, while others pushed forward 
 to the attack, esconced themselves behind rocks 
 and bushes, and commenced a discharge which 
 would speedily have thinned our party had we stood 
 to receive it. — " Disperse, men ! disperse !" said 
 I — ^' Shelter yourselves ; — there is plenty of cover 
 around us ; — our fire will be more certain, our loss 
 less." In a moment our people were intrenched 
 behind fragments of rock, or lay in hollows, from 
 which their shot flew sharp and deadly. Of those 
 who had pressed foremost up the ascent scarce 
 ten or a dozen continued the desperate attempt, 
 and our fire was rapidly reducing their number. 
 One of them, no doubt a leader of the party, a 
 portly man, conspicuous for a powerful grey 
 charger and handsome accoutrements, not only 
 persevered, but seconded by the vigour and activity 
 of his horse, succeeded in spite of the numerous 
 shots that were aimed at him in making good his 
 way, till within a few yards of the spot where we 
 were posted. We not only could mark every 
 action, but could hear him through the uproar, 
 
 VOL. I. c
 
 50 THE PERSIAN 
 
 calling and encouraging his people to the assault ; 
 ''Hah! Meer Mustapha! come on! Ahi ! Allee 
 Beg ! drive the stirrups into that jade of yours : — 
 hoh ! Cossim Allee, scoundrel ! do you flinch ? — 
 On, brothers ! on, my men ! another bold push and 
 we have them ! Yah Hyder ! yah Allee ! for Feri- 
 doom Beg and plunder." 
 
 '' What! will you suffer this fellow to ride up 
 to your very beards?" exclaimed Firoze Beg, out 
 of all patience, and incautiously springing to his 
 feet; '' is there not one gholaum who can strike 
 his mark, or has the ghoraunsaug a musket-proof 
 talisman ? Here is to try ;" and taking a de- 
 liberate aim, he fired with such true effect, that 
 the ball striking the horse in the very brain, it 
 made one last bound upwards, then fell, and rolled 
 with his rider, until both, like others of their com- 
 rades, were lost in the chasm below. 
 
 Intent upon the destruction of his enemy, Fi- 
 roze Beg forgot that his own person stood exposed ; 
 but there was one who noted and seized the ad- 
 vantage. Scarcely had the shout which followed 
 the leader's fate escaped his lips, when the re- 
 port of a matchlock rang from behind a rock not 
 twenty yards distant, and I saw my unfortunate 
 companion shrink : his eyes gazed idly on va- 
 cancy ; he tottered for a moment, and fell dead at 
 my side. 
 
 Instinctively I cast a glance at the spot from 
 
 i
 
 k 
 
 ADVENTURER. 51 
 
 whence the unlucky ball had come. The marks- 
 man, probably satisfied with his exploit, was steal- 
 ing back from his concealment, when my eye fell 
 upon his person; — that cap ! that cloak ! — could I 
 be mistaken ? A second glance assured me I was 
 right : — it was Goorbaun Allee, the detected traitor. 
 Stung with rage, and thoughtless of consequences, 
 I dashed forward, and in a moment reached the 
 rock : the miscreant saw me, and exerted all his 
 speed to escape me. But it was not written that 
 his treachery should pass unpunished : in his haste 
 and alarm, his foot got entangled among the loose 
 stones ; he stumbled and fell, and in another mo- 
 ment saw my scimitar gleaming above his head. 
 *'AiKhodahBuzoorg! amaun ! amaun!" screamed 
 the terror-struck wretch, and a horrid expression 
 of malice and despair convulsed his features, while 
 nevertheless he drew his kunjur,=^ prepared to stab 
 me to the heart, if I should be fool enough to 
 listen to his appeal for mercy. But I was in no 
 mood for mercy ; the sword fell on the neck of the 
 shrinking miscreant, and cut short his prayer and 
 his life. 
 
 The fire drawn forth by the exposure of my 
 person was rapid for some moments, and my 
 clothes were cut in several places by the balls ; but 
 the brunt of the skirmish was past ; the superiority 
 of our position gave such effect to a fire kept up 
 
 * Dagger. 
 
 0. 
 
 OflU-UB.
 
 52 THE PERSIAN 
 
 by practised marksmen, that not a man of ouf 
 assailants could expose himself with impunity. 
 Dispirited as they were by the ill success of theii* 
 violent exertions, the moment the fate of their 
 leader was known they withdrew from the contest, 
 A scattering and ineffectual fire was maintained 
 for some minutes, as if to cover their retreat : this 
 also ceased, and we were left to enjoy as we might 
 our barren gloomy victory. 
 
 Our loss, it is true, was numerically small, 
 considering the odds to which we had been 
 opposed. Two of our party were killed, and three 
 wounded ; but in Firoze Beg we had sustained 
 a loss which in our situation was irreparable ; as 
 a guide, a counsellor, and champion, his worth 
 was beyond price. My heart smote me when 
 I remembered the half-formed suspicions I had 
 admitted of him who had now proved his loyalty 
 with his blood ; and I could willingly have in- 
 dulged in a tear for the fate of the brave companion 
 thus snatched away, at the moment perhaps when 
 his advice and courage might be most required. 
 
 But it was no time for melancholy musing. Our 
 situation continued sufficiently critical ; the enemy, 
 although repulsed, might, and in all probability 
 would return with reinforcements to complete his 
 work ; and it was high time to push forward 
 to a place which might promise something like 
 security.
 
 ADVENTURER. 53 
 
 Our guide was gone, and not one of our party 
 knew the intricate path we had to travel. Firoze 
 Beg had, it is true, indicated its direction, and 
 showed us the point at which we might consider 
 ourselves as safe from open assault ; but what is 
 the knowledge of mere direction in the midst of 
 a chaos of mountains, so devious and rugg.ed 
 as those among which we had become involved ? 
 All we had for it was to push forwards, and trust 
 to our good stars for success ; so, binding up the 
 hurts of the wounded as we best could, and casting 
 a melancholy look at the poor fellows whom we 
 were forced to leave to the beasts of the field and 
 the fowls of the air, we mounted our horses, and 
 scrambled down to regain the path we had left 
 before the skirmish. 
 
 Our progress was painful and perilous as well 
 as slow. Often were the faint traces of the path- 
 way lost among masses of freshly-fallen fragments ; 
 and every now and then our course was arrested 
 by precipices or impassable ridges of rock. Much 
 «^s most of us were accustomed to mountainous 
 paths, our experience served us here in little 
 stead ; and we wandered for several hours, be- 
 wildered among the intricate hollows and cliffs of 
 the range ; leading our horses with extreme hazard 
 over ground never before traversed by such ani- 
 mals ; and it was surely good fortune, rather than 
 ;aiiy skill of ours, which led us at length, weary 
 
 m
 
 54 THE PERSIAN 
 
 and jaded, down a narrow dell into the regular 
 route of caravans to Toorbut. 
 
 The road now became comparatively easy ; and 
 although our horses as well as ourselves were well 
 nigh exhausted by incessant toil, they recovered 
 a portion of their vigour as soon as they found 
 themselves upon a regularly travelled road ; and we 
 speedily made our way to the village of Nuj- 
 juffdeh, where it was determined to remain for the 
 night.
 
 ADVENTURER. 55 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE RECEPTION. 
 
 Our arrival did not by any means appear to be 
 a matter of satisfaction to the inhabitants of Nuj- 
 jufFdeh. Instead of flocking towards us, with 
 expressions of welcome, as we entered the village, 
 they gathered in little groups, and gazed at us 
 from a distance, as we approached, with looks of 
 doubt and suspicion. Surprised in my turn at so 
 inhospitable a reception, I rode forward towards 
 them : — they retreated. " What is the meaning of 
 this ?" demanded I. ' '^ Is it thus you receive 
 strangers, travellers in your country? Is this 
 the welcome which the usages of civihsed people 
 and the ordinances of the holy Prophet, (blessed 
 be his name !) prescribe for guests who claim your 
 hospitality ? We are Musselmauns as you are ; 
 what then do you fear ? Speak ! let your reish 
 sufFeid* appear and answer me.'' 
 
 * Elder ; literally, white beard.
 
 56 THE PERSIAN 
 
 On this an aged man with a long white beard 
 stepped forward. " From whence are you V 
 said he. ^* What is your business? and how is 
 it that, armed as you are, you have entered the 
 country of Mouzuffer Khan Karooee without 
 either mehmandar or guide?" — *' We come from 
 Mushed," returned I, *' officers and soldiers of the 
 great Nadir Koolee, the light of the state ! the sun 
 of Iraun ! the conqueror of nations ! Sent by 
 him, we come in amity to Toorbut, on a mission 
 of consequence to the welfare of your chief, and 
 the prosperity of the kingdom of which he is a 
 worthy pillar." 
 
 ^* If this be so, how are you without a guide ? 
 and where are your perwannahs (passports) ?" 
 — ^* We were not without a guide ; but we have 
 been attacked by robbers among these wild moun- 
 tains, and driven from our road. Our guide has 
 been slain, and several of our people wounded. 
 It is with difficulty that we have escaped to claim 
 the protection of your chief, at this, the first of his 
 villages : and for perwamiahs, behold, if you can 
 read ; behold the ruckum of the governor of this 
 province, the Zoheir-u-doulut Ibrahim Khan." 
 Still the old man hesitated to approach, and only 
 shook his head when the papers were offered to 
 him. But, by this time, one or two other men, of 
 grave and decent mien, had joined him, and now 
 took a part in the discourse. ** Attacked by
 
 ADVENTURER. 57 
 
 robbers, say you? were they numerous?" — " Ay, 
 numerous enough for that matter." — ^' How many 
 might there be, think ye?" — " Oh, perhaps 
 fifty or sixty in number." They looked at one 
 another in silence. " And how, in the name of 
 Allah, did you escape their hands ? They must 
 have been absolute cowards, or you must be all 
 pehlewans''^ — perfect Roostums !" — ^' Oh, hard 
 enough beset w^e were, doubtless ; but we did the 
 villains' business handsomely. We deserve well 
 of MouzufFer Khan for ridding his borders of so 
 many thievish rascals !" — " Strange !" muttered 
 one ; " no band of that force has been heard of 
 .since." — But another interfering, took him aside, 
 and they talked together for some time with 
 earnest gesticulation. 
 
 " Permit us to look at the ruckum of your 
 governor," said one of them, again advancing 
 towards me, as I still sat on horseback. I showed 
 it to him. They took it and examined it narrowly, 
 holding it in every position to the light ; and then 
 they consulted together again. At length the 
 most respectable-looking person of the party, who 
 was in truth the ketkhodah of the village, return- 
 ing the papers, addressed me with a respectful 
 salute: — " Forgive," said he, " our seeming inhos- 
 pitality : the country, sir, is in a state of much 
 
 • Heroes, cham pit ^ns.
 
 58 THE PERSIAN 
 
 alarm. We have been perplexed by contradictory 
 orders, and frightened into caution by a variety of 
 unaccountable occurrences. The quarter v^rhence 
 you came, and the circumstances under v^^hich you 
 arrive, are calculated to raise our suspicions ; but 
 you are an elchee, ^ and a traveller, and you have 
 claimed our hospitality : you have a right to do so, 
 and shall receive it accordingly. You are wel- 
 come : dismount, and refresh yourselves. To-day 
 you shall have such fare and accommodation as 
 we can give you ; to-morrow a guide shall accom- 
 pany you to Toorbut. Once more, you are wel- 
 come ,' enter our village in peace." 
 
 They led the way to a large mehmankhaneh ; 
 where, spreading carpets of felt in an open apart- 
 ment raised above the rest, they conducted me to 
 the highest seat. A part of my attendants ranged 
 themselves ^ at the bottom; while some stood in 
 waiting withotit; and the ketkhodah and prin- 
 cipal villagers entering after me, took their seats 
 at the lower and opposite end ; but I invited the 
 ketkhodah himself, and the old man who had first 
 accosted me, to come higher up and sit near my- 
 self. Pipes were then brought, and two bowls of 
 sherbet, one of vinegar, sugar, and water, and 
 the other of buttermilk and water, were duly 
 handed round ; the welcome was repeated, and 
 
 * Ambassador, envoy.
 
 ADVENTURER. 59 
 
 many mutual inquiries respecting the health and 
 spirits of each other were made, according to 
 custom. 
 
 When these ceremonies were over, the conver- 
 sation turned once more upon our adventures in 
 the mountains ; and I gave them a more detailed 
 account of our march and encounter. Questions 
 without number were put to me, and I remarked 
 that my answers frequently excited much sur- 
 prise : they exchanged significant looks ; and the 
 nods and winks which passed between the ques- 
 tions did not escape my notice. 
 
 An hour might have thus passed, when one of 
 the villagers, entering in haste, whispered some- 
 thing in the ear of the ketkhodah, who imme- 
 diately rose, and with a few words of apolooy, 
 quitted the mehmankhaneh. No sooner had he 
 left the room than an air of restraint spread itself 
 over the village party ; an embarrassing silence 
 ensued ; and I was meditating upon means for 
 getting rid of my entertainers, wlien the ket- 
 khodah re-entered, followed by a man in the dress 
 of a soldier much soiled and disordered. His 
 countenance seemed disturbed ; but, with a shght 
 inclination of his head, he took his seat in a dark 
 corner, and contented himself with silently ob- 
 serving what passed. Perhaps I should have 
 paid but little regard to the presence or appear- 
 ance of this person, had I not remarked, that
 
 60 THE PERSIAN 
 
 upon some allusion being made to our adventure, 
 he leaned forward in his seat, with an air of great 
 earnestness ; and while in this position, a gleam 
 of Hght falhng upon his countenance, displayed it 
 so flushed and agitated, as if by rage and indig- 
 nation, that it instantly fixed my attention, and 
 stopping in the middle of a sentence, I remained 
 gazing on him in silence. The moment he ob- 
 served this he shrunk back out of view, and very 
 soon after rose and left the room ; but my excited 
 senses caught some half-smothered words, which 
 corresponded with the expression of his face ; 
 curses they were on the miscreants! — ^* Might 
 their fathers be burned ! — Might the curse of the 
 Prophet light on them, but he would — ." Again 
 my hosts interchanged looks; but soon after, 
 much to my relief, they rose to take leave ; upon 
 which occasion the ketkhodah once more coming 
 forward, bid me rest in peace ; and he satisfied 
 ine that I was secure under his roof. He then 
 quitted the apartment, and I was left with my 
 own attendants. 
 
 ** Bareekillah ! thanks be to God ! a right 
 hearty welcome this ; — a welcome of the proper 
 sort for weary men. — And so readily proffered 
 by our noble hosts too ! Pah ! shame upon their 
 beards V Thus muttered my trusty jeloodar Cos- 
 sim, as soon as the village party was out of 
 hearing. '* And so condescending a promise of
 
 ADVENTURER. 61 
 
 peace and security ! " continued he ; " by the head 
 of the khan, I doubt we shall have to owe it to 
 our own good hands, if we even make it good on 
 these terms ! Peace and security, indeed !" — ''What 
 is all this about, friend Cossim?" said I, roused 
 from a fit of musing by the conversation which 
 had commenced among my servants. " What 
 ails you at our hosts, and why should you doubt 
 of our safety?" — " In obedience to your lord- 
 ship's commands," replied Cossim with his usual 
 obeisance, '' I beg humbly to observe, that if 
 your lordship is pleased with your hosts, your 
 slave ha_s no fault to find ; but a churlish wel- 
 come makes a watchful guest. It seemed to your 
 slave as if these ryuts and their ketkhodah scarce 
 knew whether to greet us with the calleeoon or 
 the scimitar, when we entered their village ; and 
 then such gazings, and whisperings, and nods, 
 and shrugs ; and such sending off of messengers 
 at speed, and horsemen coming in ; it looked more 
 like the preparations to repulse an enemy than 
 to welcome a guest : — but your lordship surely 
 knows best." — *' It is true, indeed," said I, has- 
 tily, in reply to his observations, partly following 
 up the train of my own reflections ; "it is true 
 the welcome was tardy; still it may be sincere, 
 notwithstanding the strange symptoms of distrust 
 we seem to have inspired at first. The counte- 
 nance and bearing of the ketkhodah are not those
 
 62 THE PERSIAN 
 
 of a rogue. Well, vigilance is a soldier's duty. — 
 Do you hear, men ? — Let your ears be open, and 
 sleep but with one eye closed. Let Hassan Meh- 
 ter and Kara Mahomed keep watch in the outer 
 apartment ; the others may repose themselves ; 
 they require it after this day's work. You have all 
 behaved like men, and your conduct shall be duly 
 reported to the governor. But, stay ! — where are 
 the horses?" — '^ In the yard behind this meh- 
 mankhaneh." — *' Are there two gates to it?" 
 — ** No ; — only one ; that by which we entered." 
 — ^' Good! — Let Hassan Mehter be so posted 
 that he may command a view of the entrance. — 
 Enough ! — you have leave : go to rest." 
 
 In truth I was by no means without apprehen- 
 sion. The mysterious appearances which had 
 alarmed my servants, added to those which it was 
 my lot alone to observe, had their full weight with 
 me : but, distant as we were from all external 
 aid, I knew that vigilance and firmness were all 
 we had to trust to; 'and I derived no small com- 
 fort and confidence from the honest appearance 
 and frank assurances of the ketkhodah. No doubt 
 he was responsible to his chief for whatever might 
 befall a guest under his roof. Should the inten- 
 tions of that chief be hostile, we were fully in 
 his power, and could not evade them : should 
 they be friendly, we could have no just cause for 
 alarm. At all events, rest was absolutely neces- 
 
 i
 
 k 
 
 ADVENTURER. 63 
 
 sary; and I resolved to enjoy it while I could 
 do so. 
 
 The grey light of the morning had just begun 
 to render objects visible, when a bustle at the 
 entrance of the mehmankhaneh announced the 
 approach of visitors. The gate was opened after 
 a short parley, and admitted the ketkhodah with 
 five or six other persons ; one of whom, in a mi- 
 htary garb, of respectable appearance, and well 
 armed and appointed, was introduced to me as 
 Roostum Beg, an officer in the service of his 
 highness MouzuflTer Khan of Toorbut, intended 
 to act as my mehmandar,* and to guide me to the 
 presence of that chief. 
 
 Thus far then my apprehensions were, for the 
 present, removed. No violence could be intended 
 us while protected by such an escort; and I 
 found it obviously the wush of this officer, on the 
 part of his master, to efface any suspicion inju- 
 rious to that chief which might be lurking in my 
 mind : he expressed the deepest mortification and 
 regret at the inconvenience we had suflTered ; and 
 assured me that a party had already been sent 
 out to apprehend or disperse the insolent robbers 
 who had dared to molest travellers of our de- 
 scription so near the territories of the khan. He 
 
 * A person appointed in Persia to provide for the wants of guests 
 travelling through the country.
 
 64 THE PERSIAN 
 
 then suggested that, as the journey before us was 
 still a long one, no time should be lost in com- 
 mencing it ; so, after smoking a single calleeoon, 
 and partaking of a slight refreshment, we took 
 leave of our friend the ketkhodah, and proceeded 
 on our way. 
 
 It was past noon when, ascending a hill of con- 
 siderable height, we first came in view of the 
 wall and towers of Toorbut in the plain beneath 
 us ; but it was not until three hours more had 
 elapsed that we entered its gates. A courier had 
 been early despatched to acquaint the khan with 
 our approach ; and I employed the interval in 
 trying to obtain from the mehmandur some idea 
 of the chief with whom I was about to deal, and 
 in whose power I might now consider myself to 
 be. But if concealment were intended, the of- 
 ficer, blunt though his bearing was, had learnt 
 his lesson well, and I could gain from him lit- 
 tle or no information. I could not even discover 
 in what light his master was likely to consider an 
 envoy from the governor of Khorasan ; still less 
 could I make out how far negotiations with the 
 Abdallee AfFghauns might have proceeded. His 
 master he said was generous and noble to his ser- 
 vants and followers : but he was very absolute ; 
 liked to be obeyed at a word, as most masters do; 
 could not endure contradiction : — what great man 
 can? his anger was terrible: from some expres- 
 
 A
 
 ADVENTURER. 65 
 
 sions of the mehmandars I inferred that he was 
 cruel. But it might be part of this agent's in- 
 structions to intimidate ; so, upon the whole, I 
 set less store by his intelligence than if it had 
 come from the mouth of an indifferent person. 
 
 But though my ears were not permitted to be 
 of much service, my eyes remained open ; and as 
 we proceeded, I could not be blind to the various 
 precautions which denoted a country prepared for 
 invasion, and resolved on repelling it ; the fresh 
 repairs on the walls of the different villages ; the 
 new towers and safety keeps, erected for the pro- 
 tection of the cattle and labourers, in case of 
 sudden attack, while out of reach of the villages 
 themselves ; few men in the fields of cultivation ; 
 centinels on the heights and towers. 
 
 No very unusual guard was to be observed on 
 entering the gates ; but there were indications of 
 extraordinary precaution, which could not escape 
 a practised eye. The heads of many centinels 
 might be seen above the parapets of the walls ; 
 the men on guard at the gates were picked, and 
 rigorous in the discharge of their duty ; and the 
 muster of armed men within the walls was such 
 as one looks not to see, unless in a place engaged 
 in war or preparations for war. No AfFghauns, it 
 is true, were observable in the streets; but yet 
 there were horses and arms in various corners, 
 and articles of dress and of convenience scattered 
 
 k
 
 66 THE PERSIAN 
 
 through the bazars, which I well knew were pe- 
 culiar to the Abdallees. 
 
 After traversing the principal bazar, the meh- 
 mandar led me down a short narrow street to a 
 door which opened in a lofty mud wall : ** Is this 
 the ark V inquired I. ^^ Is this the residence of 
 MouzufFer Khan?" — ^^ Pardon me," replied the 
 mehmandar, '^ this is not the fort; this is the 
 lodging assigned by the khan for his honoured 
 guests. His highness will not be able to receive 
 you before to-morrow ; but every comfort shall be 
 provided for your use : so be pleased to repose 
 yourself, and set your mind at rest for the night." 
 
 The door led to a short passage, after traversing 
 which we entered a small court surrounded by a 
 lofty brick wall : a small dewan-khaneh stood at 
 one end, and in the front of it was the bed of a 
 water-reservoir, now half filled with dust and rub- 
 bish. The weeds were growing freely among the 
 stones of the pavement, and overrunning the small 
 earthen plat which might once have produced a 
 few flowers. The whole place wore an air of 
 desolation and gloom, so depressing, that I could 
 not help observing to the mehmandar, with a 
 smile somewhat forced, ^^ This abode has more 
 the resemblance of a prison than a palace, my 
 friend ! I hope the mission I am charged with 
 may meet with a welcome from your master more 
 cheerful than the abode he assigns to its bearer : 
 
 J
 
 ADVENTURER. 67 
 
 it will be cold enough else." — *' Oh ! have no 
 doubt on that score, sir ; you cannot fail of receiv- 
 ing all possible satisfaction from his highness ; — 
 but vnth this I have nothing to do. I quit you 
 for a while, sir, to provide for your comforts." 
 
 And in truth never were the usual appliances to 
 comfort more required ; for a more dismal dwell- 
 ing, short of an acknowledged prison, I never 
 yet had seen. The damp clay floor, but little 
 elevated above the ground, was worn and bur- 
 rowed into holes by vermin and decay. The 
 windows, which once had boasted of a frame of 
 carved wooden work, covered with oiled paper, 
 were now dropping to pieces, and rattling with 
 every blast, that whistled through, instead of 
 being excluded by them. The plaster was falling 
 in large masses from the green moulded walls ; 
 and a nauseous smell of bats betokened how long 
 it was since it had been last made the abode of 
 human beings. 
 
 In about an hour and a half, during which my 
 followers were engaged in surveying these com- 
 fortless premises with blank looks and forboding 
 hearts, the mehmandar arrived, bringing with 
 him some old moth-eaten carpets, a few cooking 
 utensils, with rice, flour, butter, bread, a few 
 dried fruits, a little meat, and some coarse pro- 
 visions of other sorts, for the use of the party; 
 besides a small supply of sweetmeats and sherbets 
 
 I
 
 68 THE PERSIAN 
 
 for myself ; intimating at the same time that, at 
 the usual dinner hour, provisions for my own use 
 should be sent from the khan's kitchen. The 
 evening soon closed in, and we covered the naked 
 floor with our horse-cloths and prayer carpets, 
 joined to the old furshes that had been brought 
 for our use ; and while two large brass lamps full 
 of melted tallow burning, in the middle, threw a 
 cheerful light around, we tried to hope for better 
 things than appearances might warrant at the 
 moment. 
 
 The customary hour for the evening meal had 
 passed away without any message from the khan. 
 Three hours after evening prayer had elapsed, 
 but still neither the promised meal, nor the usual 
 compliment of welcome, had made their appear- 
 ,ance. To the former I was sufficiently indifferent. 
 I made my dinner along with the rest of the 
 party, and was meditating on the comfort of a 
 sound sleep, when, scarce two hours before mid- 
 night, a furosh entered with the bustling inso- 
 lence of a great man's servant, bearing upon a 
 white metal tray a small dish of rice, wdth a 
 saucer of stewed meat and some sweetmeats, all 
 wretchedly cold and scanty ; and loudly desired 
 that I should acknowledge the attentive hospi- 
 tality of his master, in providing me from his own 
 repast with these choice viands ! 
 
 Every one knows that in Persia the degree of
 
 ADVENTURER. 69 
 
 respect and ceremony observed in trifles, is the 
 index by which the disposition of those who treat 
 of important affairs is to be discovered. The 
 neglect and insult we had met with on this oc- 
 casion was ominous of the fate which awaited 
 us. I felt this at the moment ; but resolved that 
 no undue intemperance on my part should be 
 permitted to give emphasis to the intended slight. 
 Paying therefore not the slightest attention to the 
 messenger, who had insolently seated himself at 
 the bottom of the room, I motioned to Cossim to 
 remove the tray he had set before me ; observing 
 only, that it was a pity the hospitable attentions 
 of the khan had reached their destination so late, 
 and by so rude a messenger : adding, that the * 
 person who brought them need not wait, as no 
 further answer was needed. This cool reply ap- 
 peared considerably to perplex the messenger, 
 who immediately rose and retired in great wrath, 
 muttering imprecations .on our heads. Of this, 
 however, no notice was taken ; but I resolved to 
 make this shameless conduct the subject of a 
 strong remonstrance in my first interview with 
 his master. 
 
 The indignation of my attendants at this insult- 
 ing behaviour was extreme ; a strong disposition 
 was manifested by the more privileged among 
 them to comment upon it, and offer their own 
 opinions upon our situation; but, as this would 
 
 k
 
 70 THE PERSIAN 
 
 only have tended to increase an already grow- 
 ing alarm, I was not disposed to indulge it ; so 
 calling for my bed-carpet and lahofF,^ and ap- 
 pointing the customary watch, I betook myself 
 to sleep. 
 
 Three hours of the next day had elapsed before 
 our mehmandar made his appearance ; and when 
 he came, he was gloomy and reserved. The tardi- 
 ness of this visit was, in our situation, of itself 
 sufficient cause for remonstrance ; yet I said but 
 little, and only pressed him to state at what time 
 my interview with the khan was intended to take 
 place. His answer was evasive ; but he quickly 
 changed his tone and the subject, by observing, 
 that my conduct of the previous evening was but 
 little calculated to promote the favourable termi- 
 nation of my business. 
 
 " Explain yourself," said I, with some sur- 
 prise. " How, sir, could you think of rejecting 
 with scorn the khan's civility, and of treating 
 his messenger with so much rudeness?" — "Roos- 
 tum Beg," replied I, " as I am informed you 
 are my mehmandar, on the part of MouzufFer 
 Khan of this city, and it is your business, as it 
 may be your interest, to promote an amicable un- 
 derstanding between your master and his guest — 
 mark, then, what I have to reply to your most 
 
 • Quilt used as a blanket in Persia.
 
 ADVENTURER. 71 
 
 strange and unjust charge. I rejected no civi^ 
 lity of the khan, your master. Last night, 
 after the lapse of a period, which in itself argued 
 but little respect, and at an hour when weary and 
 half-famished travellers might be expected to 
 have already sought repose, a pitiful portion of 
 cold victuals certainly did arrive at the splendid 
 apartments appointed as lodgings for the envoy 
 of the governor of this province ; — sent, as it was 
 said, from the table of Mouzuffer Khan, by the 
 hands of a surly furosh. If it was the fault of ser- 
 vants that such an affront was offered to that en^ 
 voy, let them bear the blame, and suffer fitting 
 punishment. If on the other hand it were possible 
 (which I am most unwilling to believe) that this oc- 
 curred with the knowledge and consent of their 
 master, I cannot in that case, whatever be the con- 
 sequences, regret or repent of the manner in which 
 that affront was repelled ; for no friend of Nadir 
 would countenance such conduct to his officer; 
 and the servants of that mighty chief know well 
 how to die in his service ; but not to yield one 
 point which may affect his honour. But once 
 more I ask, when am I to be admitted to the pre- 
 sence of your master I — Am I to consider myself 
 as his friend and guest, or his enemy and prisoner ? 
 — for, to judge by the nature of my reception and 
 entertainment, as well as by certain precautions
 
 72 THE PERSIAN 
 
 which have not escaped my observation, one 
 might well be held excused in suspecting the 
 latter." 
 
 The mehmandar stood confounded at this direct 
 appeal. " No, no, no !" exclaimed he at length, 
 with uplifted hands. — '^ God forbid ! — a prisoner, 
 indeed ! — far from it ; my master's honoured guest, 
 as you will find ; but do not, for God sake ! be so 
 hasty ;" and he muttered something about the 
 khan's abstemious habits and late hours ; bestow- 
 ing some hearty curses on the scoundrel servants, 
 as he called them, who had affronted me, and 
 deceived their master. " The khan," continued he, 
 '^ has been engrossed ever since morning-prayers 
 with business of the first importance, which is not 
 yet concluded ; so that I cannot reply to your in- 
 quiries concerning the hour of audience ; but, de- 
 pend upon it, you will soon hear from his highness. 
 At all events, I am ever ypur most humble slave." 
 He was retiring: — " Stay," said I, " let us un- 
 derstand each other. My master, the governor, 
 expects my speedy return ; a protracted residence 
 at Toorbut consists with neither my duty nor in- 
 clination : — unless therefore my introduction to 
 your master shall take place within four-and- 
 twenty hours from this time, I quit Toorbut ; or 
 only remain as your prisoner ; in which case, let 
 the khan tremble ; for Nadir does not abandon his
 
 ADVENTURER. 73 
 
 servants ; and his wrath is terrible and swift : — so 
 novvyou comprehend me." — " Be chushm !''^ said 
 the mehmandar in no small confusion, and obvi- 
 ously desirous to escape from the conference — " I 
 shall report what you have ordered ; — doubt not 
 of a favourable result." 
 
 Hour after hour now passed on without an 
 event to mark its lapse ; and we remained within 
 our assigned quarters as ^olitary and neglected 
 as if we had encamped in a desert, instead of occu- 
 pying a dwelling in a populous city. Etiquette 
 did not permit me to go abroad myself before my 
 interview with the khan ; and a hint had been re- 
 ceived that my followers, in like manner, had 
 better keep their quarters. Nevertheless one or 
 two of them did venture forth, both to the bazars, 
 and to the maidaun in front of the kallah (or for- 
 tified residence) of the khan. They were aware 
 of a general though subdued bustle, indicating 
 some event or intended movement of consequence, 
 and saw several AfFghaun chiefs admitted within 
 the walls of the kallah ; but fearful of awaken- 
 ing suspicion, they did not risk any inquiries 
 regarding what was going on. 
 
 The day passed in restless weariness and very 
 uncomfortable suspense, and night closed in 
 without any new event, except a hurried visit 
 
 * By my eyes. 
 VOL. I. D
 
 74 THE PERSIAN 
 
 from the mehmandar, who came to say that 
 the khan had continued too closely occupied dur- 
 ing the whole day to receive me as he wished to 
 do ; but that he had resolved on' giving me au- 
 dience on the morrow, soon after morning prayers. 
 *' If he does," said I, " it is well : if not, at noon 
 I march for Mushed ; whether with a reply to my 
 dispatches, and a mehmandar, or without either."^
 
 ADVENTURER. 75 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THE AUDIENCE. 
 
 The morrow came, and with it the appointed 
 time ; but hours elapsed before any message was 
 received from the kallah. At nine o'clock the 
 same furosh who had behaved with so much in- 
 solence before, made his appearance to desire 
 that we should hold ourselves in readiness, as his 
 master would speedily require our presence. The 
 appearance of this man boded in nowise favourably 
 for the character of the impending interview ; but 
 there was some comfort in knowing that the re- 
 sult, be it what it might, would now soon be 
 known. 
 
 In about an hour the mehmandar arrived, clad 
 in his dress of ceremony, and hurriedly intimated 
 that we should prepare ourselves to accompany 
 hmi to the kallah ; yet, after all, another hour 
 elapsed ere the order to mount was given.
 
 76 THE PERSIAN 
 
 On casting a look around me at the persons 
 who made up our escort, and who appeared to me 
 intended rather for purposes of constraint than of 
 compliment, I started with surprise and disgust 
 at observing among them the scowling counte- 
 nance of the soldier whom I had so particularly 
 remarked in the mehmankhaneh of Nujjuffdeh, 
 bending upon me once more the same malignant 
 glance : his eye was withdrawn, however, as soon 
 as it encountered mine, and we proceeded to the 
 kailah. 
 
 As we entered the massive gateway, furnished 
 with its two ponderous iron-studded folding-doors, 
 I shuddered involuntarily at the gloomy strength 
 of the place ; and it flashed across my brain, 
 '^ how hopeless would escape be, if once immured 
 within such walls !" The guards were numerous 
 and well appointed ; and all that met the eye 
 denoted much energy of preparation. 
 
 Quitting our horses at the gate, we traversed 
 several courts and passages to a square of larger 
 dimensions, the lower end of which was formed 
 by a handsome dewankhaneh and its usual ap- 
 pendages. A number of attendants were ranged 
 in front of its windows ; and at the upper of 
 these appeared seated a portly figure, who occa- 
 sionally addressed a few words to those around 
 him : it was MouzufFer Khan Karaooee. 
 
 Disregarding the precise instructions of the
 
 ADVENTURER. 77 
 
 yessawul'^ in waiting as to the number of bows 
 and salutes expected, I paid the same respect, 
 and made the same obeisance to the khan that 
 I was in the habit of doing to my own master ; 
 and then walked deliberately forward to the en- 
 trance of the dewankhaneh. Here I was stopped 
 by the guards and servants, who would not admit 
 me until special orders for that purpose should be 
 given. By no means disposed to prejudice my 
 cause by any petty wrangling with servants, I 
 turned calmly round to the mehmandar, who 
 with the yessawul had followed me close behind : 
 *^ My message," said I, '^ is to the khan in per- 
 son ; and only to him in person, face to face, shall 
 I deliver it : into no hands but his own may the ' 
 dispatches of his excellency the governor of 
 Khorasan be given by his servant Ismael. Such 
 is my resolution : act as ye please." This decla- 
 ration produced an earnest consultation among 
 the officers in waiting, which, after they had 
 communicated with their master, terminated in 
 an order to admit me. Leaving my slippers at the 
 door where I observed those of the persons in at- 
 tendance, I advanced to the carpet on which the 
 khan was seated ; produced the letters, and 
 lifting them to my head, laid them with the cus- 
 tomary form on the cushion before him : then 
 
 * A species of master of ceremonies.
 
 78 THE PERSIAN 
 
 Stepped back to my proper place, and remained 
 closely watching his countenance. 
 
 MouzufFer Khan, at this time full sixty years of 
 age, was a man of lofty and commanding pre- 
 sence. His high features, dark expressive eyes, 
 and well-formed mouth, half buried in its thick 
 black beard, might have betokened a generous 
 frankness by no means belonging to his nature, 
 had not the quick restless glances which shot in 
 all directions from beneath a pair of dark over- 
 arching brows, and the rapid and peculiar working 
 of the muscles of his forehead, changing its expres- 
 sion alternately from frowns to smiles, betrayed 
 to the beholder the truly uncertain and dissem- 
 bling character of their owner. Crafty and de- 
 ceitful himself, he was ever mistrustful of others ; 
 and though, fitted as he was by constitutional 
 boldness and unwearied perseverance, for the tur- 
 bulent and lawless career in which he had em- 
 barked, his talents as a leader had secured to him 
 the services of many a stout follower ; he was not 
 the less aware that his cupidity and frequent 
 breach of faith had created much disgust among 
 his retainers ; and his quick eye was ever on the 
 watch for a look or a gesture that might betray 
 the plots he dreaded. 
 
 Even as he sat in his own dewankhaneh, sur- 
 rounded by his personal guards, the khan wa.s 
 ^rmed after a fashion which would have suited
 
 ADVENTURER. 79 
 
 better with the field of battle ; and I remarked 
 that but few, and these beyond a doubt the most 
 trusty of his gholaums, were permitted to bear 
 arms in his presence. 
 
 I felt the keen glance of his eye flitting over my 
 person as I stood before him, like the play of a 
 lightning flash ; and, as it rested for a moment on 
 my face, it seemed as if the very thoughts of my 
 soul could not be concealed from its piercing in- 
 fluence : but I cared not if he read them all ; 
 for there was little to be found beyond a steady 
 purpose to do my duty, and something of defiance 
 against himself and his lawless power. Perhaps 
 he read this in my own unshrinking eye ; for after 
 a pause of some length, during which his brow 
 contracted and dilated by turns, as if he balanced 
 whether to begin the conference in anger or in 
 •amity, he thus addressed me : 
 
 " So, young man, you come ftom Ibrahim 
 Khan, governor of Mushed, .the brother of Nadir 
 Koolee, who leads the armies of Persia : — is it not 
 so V — '^ The khan has said it : let him behold 
 the credentials of his servant.^' — "Ay! in good 
 truth he has chosen a gallant envoy ; one too who 
 seems well disposed to assert the dignity of his 
 principal. I hear you have expressed yourself as 
 but ill satisfied with your reception here ; — but let 
 that pass, (preventing me from speaking,) — that 
 may be rectified. I hear too that violence was of-
 
 80 THE PERSIAN 
 
 fered you upon the road : — hah ! and by whom ? — 
 can you tell V — *' By robbers, please your high- 
 ness, we presume." — "Ay ! robbers. — Robbers to be 
 sure ! — You presume right, no doubt: who else? — 
 who else ? — We must see to this : this is an insult, 
 a gross insult : — attack a guest of mine ! and in 
 my own country too ! ah ! the rogues must be laid 
 hold of. Would ye know them again, think 
 you?" added he, casting another piercing glance 
 upon me. '^ I would represent to your highness 
 that, excepting those who were killed, few showed 
 their faces except at a cautious distance." — "And 
 many were killed ?" — " Many, your highness, 
 else we had not been here to tell the tale." A 
 dark shade flitted across his countenance, and 
 ruffled his brow ; but the cloud was momentary : 
 it passed away, and all was smooth again. "Well, 
 you are welcome," resumed he ; and the words 
 seemed forced from him, as if the muscles of his 
 throat would have choked their utterance. '^ I 
 congratulate you on your escape. We have at this 
 time much pressing business on our hands ; but 
 we shall examine the communication of your 
 master, the governor of Mushed ; and after giving 
 them such consideration as their tenor may 
 require, we shall summon you again to our pre- 
 sence." He prepared to give the signal for with- 
 drawing, but I interrupted him: — " I beg to repre- 
 sent to your highness that Zoheir-u-doulut
 
 ADVENTURER. 81 
 
 Ibrahim Khan, governor not only of Mushed, but 
 of all Khorasan, has sent me to your presence, in 
 all respect and amity. His w^ishes, his proposals 
 are simple and reasonable, and require but little 
 deliberation ; for they point at nothing beyond 
 what consists, on the one hand, v^^ith the regard 
 due to your highness, and the duty which every 
 loyal subject owes to the throne, on the other. 
 Your servant would humbly express his hope that 
 no long period may elapse — ." The glow of impa- 
 tient fury which flushed the khan's swarthy brow, 
 and the fire which shot from his eye, as he sud- 
 denly motioned to rise, cut short my speed) in my 
 turn : his hand grasped the hilt of his khunjar, 
 and his lips moved convulsively, as if about to 
 give instant and effectual vent to his displeasure ; 
 but, by a powerful effort, he restrained himself; 
 and not until his cheek had regained its usual hue, 
 and his features their composed expression, did 
 he think fit to reply. — ^* Certainly, the envoy is 
 a person of much experience, and knows his duty : 
 we thank him for thus publicly instructing us in 
 ours ; although, deeming ourselves sufficient to 
 decide on what concerns our own conduct, we re- 
 gret that so much good advice should have been 
 unnecessarily wasted. He has our leave forUhe 
 present: more important concerns demand olir 
 attention," 
 
 However indignant I might feel at this haughty
 
 82 THE PERSIAN 
 
 and arbitrary dismissal, there was neither time 
 nor opportunity for remonstrance ; for the yessa- 
 wul in waiting immediately came forward, and 
 with little ceremony prepared to execute his 
 master's commands. So, with a slight obeisance, 
 I quitted the room and the palace, and we re- 
 turned as we came to our comfortless quarters. 
 
 No sooner had we been left to ourselves than 
 Cossim approached me with an air of mystery : — 
 *^ May the great God grant, sir, that we all get 
 safe from this abominable place I" said he; *' but 
 I much fear that there is foul play going on 
 towards us." Although my own suspicions of 
 the same fact were becoming stronger every hour, 
 it was neither politic nor prudent to communicate 
 these surmises either to my entertainers or my 
 followers. Assuming therefore a tone of surprise, 
 I desired him to explain himself. — " Foul play ! 
 what do you mean? What have you seen or 
 heard to give rise to such an idea ? " — ^^ I beg to 
 state in the first place," said he, ^^ that the sus- 
 picion which Firoze Beg entertained from the 
 first has now turned out to be the fact : — ^it was 
 the khan's own people, and no robbers, who 
 attacked, us in the pass of Cothul-e-zaug, and 
 who had hovered about us all the way from the 
 Karagour glen." — " And pray, Cossim, how is 
 this known to be the fact?" — "Why, sir, you 
 remember the soldier who made his appearance
 
 ADVENTURER. 83 
 
 among us at NujjufFdeh, in the mehmankhaneh ? 
 the same you remarked to-day among our escort 
 to the kallah. Well, that man was also recog- 
 nised by Hassan Mehter as one of the very 
 fellows who fought us at the pass of Cothul-e- 
 zaug ; and another of our people overheard him 
 this morning alluding to the death of their leader, 
 Feridoon Sudeval,* swearing that every one of us 
 owed him the price of blood, which he would 
 have at our hands ; and expressing his joy that 
 the game was now in the snare." 
 
 ** This is suspicious certainly, Cossim ; but may 
 not Hassan Mehter have been mistaken ? and 
 this soldier, — what quarrel can he have with us ? 
 even supposing he was one of our assailants m 
 .the pass of Cothul-e-zaug, every death in battle is 
 not to cause a blood-feud." — " How can I tell, 
 sir ? I know no more than you have heard. But 
 as for the khan, his object is plain : his nego- 
 tiation with the Abdallees is publicly spoken of ; 
 and — :" his countenance grew troubled, and he 
 hesitated: — " What more ? Speak out, man!" 
 In a low mysterious tone, he continued — " A 
 report — a strange report, sir, has reached the 
 city : I overheard it at the durkhaneh ; but could 
 learn no particulars : — a report that his high- 
 ness, our master, the general, has not enjoyed 
 
 * Sudeval j commander of an hundred.
 
 84 THE PERSIAN 
 
 his usual good fortune of late : that he has met 
 with a serious reverse in the south : they spoke 
 of a great battle lost against the Turks, some- 
 where about Kermanshah/' — *^ What, Cossim ! 
 what ! — a battle lost ! — Nadir defeated ! — and by 
 the Turks ! I would not believe a word of it 
 if they swore it on their fathers' souls ! The 
 thing is impossible . — Nadir beaten by the Turks ! 
 Hah ! by the holy Mahomed that is too much ! 
 Even this miscreant khan could not believe it." 
 — " May God grant that it be so !" responded 
 Cossim fervently. *' May the banners that over- 
 shadow the world float ever triumphant ! — But 
 such is the report, you may depend upon it, sir ; 
 and truly the behaviour of Mouzuffer Khan to us, 
 the servants of his highness, would argue his own 
 belief in it at least." 
 
 ^^ By the might of Allah it is true ! This indeed 
 would account for his rudeness with a vengeance," 
 cried I, boiling with indignation. '^ This is the 
 true explanation of all his coldness, his insulting 
 neglect, and supercilious haughtiness ; all the 
 strange and equivocal appearances which have 
 perplexed me since we set foot in this accursed 
 country. By the head of Allee, the khan's game 
 is plain enough now ; — the mean, time-serving 
 scoundrel looks upon the Abdullees as future mas- 
 ters of Khorasan, and he shapes his course ac- 
 cordingly. The object of our mission is blown up 
 
 i
 
 Adventuker. 85 
 
 beyond a doubt ; but my duty is still plain. An 
 audience must be craved for the morrow : — if 
 granted, I trust still that I may succeed in show- 
 ing the khan that his duty and his interest go 
 together: — if not, we must prepare for other 
 steps/^ 
 
 Such were the thoughts which, half uttered, 
 half suppressed, passed quickly through my brain, 
 while Cossim was proceeding to detail some fur- 
 ther observations of his own: — " Hark ye," said 
 I at length, '^ it may be as you think : our situa- 
 tion may be critical ; and we must act with cor- 
 responding caution : let some of my followers 
 endeavour to escape from the town — Beder Alle^ 
 Gholaum, Kara Mahomed, and any other whose 
 persons are least known ; — let them steal out one 
 by one, mingle with the crowd, and so slip out 
 from the gates : let my horses, if possible, be 
 likewise withdrawn from the town. You your- 
 self, Cossim, must attempt this also." — ^' I !" said 
 he, starting back amazed : — *' never, sir ; what- 
 ever happens, I quit you not." — ^/ But, my friend, 
 if you desire to aid me, this will be your only 
 efficient way. Your ^single arm could be of no 
 avail to me here : a zealous messenger is required 
 to carry the account of my detention to the go- 
 vernor ; by escaping while it is yet time, you may 
 effect this most important service : I can trust to 
 none so impUcitly as you." But it was no easy
 
 86 THE PERSIAN 
 
 matter to convince old Cossim that the surest 
 way to save his master's life was to abandon him 
 amongst those who might be thirsting for his blood ; 
 nor was it till I laid my positive commands upon 
 this attached servant that he at last consented 
 to escape, if possible, for the purpose of after- 
 wards assisting in my liberation. 
 
 That very day Cossim and three other men 
 quitted our quarters on this enterprise ; and as 
 they did not return, I flattered myself that they 
 had eluded our guards, and gained their liberty. 
 It was well they did so, for they would have 
 had no other opportunity. 
 
 Next morning, while waiting impatiently for 
 the customary visit of my mehmandar, I was 
 startled by a bustle and shouting at the entrance 
 of the court, succeeded by the trampling of many 
 feet. I rose hastily, to discover the cause of the 
 uproar; but was stopped at the door of my 
 apartment by two fierce-looking men with drawn 
 swords, who, rushing upon me, assisted by numer- 
 ous armed followers, seized and pinioned my arms 
 behind me before I had time to think of resist- 
 ance. '^ What is this for ? — ^what means this 
 violence?" exclaimed I, in amazement, yet in- 
 stantly guessing the truth. *^ Silence ! — shut his 
 mouth : — bring him along : — no struggling : — stop 
 his mouth with the shoe, Caleb Allee : — knock him 
 down if he won't go peaceably." — *^ But tell me.
 
 t 
 
 ADVENTURER. 87 
 
 in the name of God — " — " What ! he will jabber, 
 will he? — take that then, and that;" and they 
 struck me on the mouth with their iron-heeled 
 slippers, till the blood sprung from my lips: 
 others of the furoshes showered blows upon me 
 with their heavy sticks, and hustled me till I fell ; 
 then they dragged me along the pavement, kick- 
 ing and trampling upon me, until I became con- 
 vinced that it was their intention to put me to 
 death on the spot. 
 
 I cannot define my emotions on becoming so un- 
 expectedly the object of this cowardly and savage 
 assault ; but I had recollection enough to per- 
 ceive that any appeal to their justice or mercy 
 would be vain ; so I held my breath, resolved to 
 die vdthout affording them the satisfaction of a 
 groan : but, after continuing these insults for a 
 minute or two, they set me rudely upon my feet, 
 and once more dragged me along. 
 
 As I regained my legs and looked about me, 
 the scowling visage of the soldier who had already 
 twice attracted my attention met my glance, and 
 explained the cause of such extraordinary ill- 
 treatment. I had little doubt that my compa- 
 nions and followers underwent similar disci- 
 pline ; but I saw it not ; for a large Arab cloak 
 being wrapped round my person, I was hurried 
 away to the kallah,- and I saw myself a pri- 
 soner within the massy gates, which had in-
 
 88 THE PERSIAN 
 
 spired me with a feeling nearly allied to pre- 
 sentiment of ill to come when first I passed their 
 gloomy barrier. 
 
 On entering the precincts of the kallah I saw 
 that they hurried me in a different direction from 
 that of the khan's dewankhaneh ; but all specu- 
 lations regarding my destination were speedily 
 terminated ; for, after traversing several gloomy 
 passages, we reached a strongly-fashioned door ; 
 which opening, admitted us to another arched pas- 
 sage. Another massy door was now unlocked ; 
 and my brutal conductor thrusting me down seve- 
 ral steps into a vault-like cell, left me with my 
 hands still bound, and in total darkness. 
 
 It was some time ere my senses grew composed 
 enough, or my eyes became sufficiently accustomed 
 to the obscurity, to enable me to examine my 
 prison chamber with attention ; and the exami- 
 nation when made was any thing but con- 
 solatory. The cell or dungeon in which I was 
 immured was about twelve feet long, and not 
 more than eight in width. A single small opening, 
 close to the roof, admitted air and a very faint ray 
 of light through iron bars and thick walls. My 
 feet slipped in the mud of its moist, clammy floor, 
 and I fancied that I could see the writhing motions 
 of the reptiles, which were probably the customary 
 occupants of so disgusting a den. A scanty litter 
 of wet and rotten straw lay spread in one corner,
 
 ADVENTURER. 89 
 
 doubtless the bed of the last tenant of the dun- 
 geon. Its damp, mouldy walls contained no 
 object that I could discern. 
 
 " Here, then," thought I, as I leaned, still 
 panting from the effects of my late discipline, 
 against the wall of my cell, — "here terminate the 
 hopes of a mission, which was to have crippled 
 the efforts of the Abdallees, and detached from 
 their alliance one of their most valuable coad- 
 jutors; and here also, doubtless, are to close with 
 life, all the gay visions, the high aspirations and 
 anticipations of future joy, which have gilded my 
 own short and stormy career. This is the explana- 
 tion and result of all that mysterious inhospitality 
 of which my unfortunate companions and myseir 
 have been the object. My poor and faithful 
 friends, ye merited a better fate ! Yet it has over- 
 taken you in the execution of your duty, as it 
 would had ye died on the field ; and he your 
 treacherous destroyer, sooner or later, — he too 
 will meet his deserts. Ibrahim, Nadir himself, will 
 exact a stern and bloody revenge for his perfidy. 
 Nadir ! — ^but these reports — is it possible that a full 
 confirmation of them can have led to this last 
 decisive step ? Would Mouzuffer Khan, bold and 
 rebellious though he be, have dared to commit 
 himself so publicly, had he not full surely known 
 that the arm of the avenger is powerless ? Alas ! 
 
 i
 
 90 THE PERSIAN 
 
 then, for that brave and hitherto successful chief ! 
 Alas ! for the master I have served and loved ! 
 As for myself — often have I braved death; and 
 now, although it does not present itself in its 
 least revolting shape, it cannot be shunned, and 
 must therefore be endured." Shireen, too, my 
 young and tender w^ife ! did not thy image arise 
 upon the eye of memory, and thrill through my 
 ^irain with a pang that almost maddened me ? 
 
 Just as these reflections were swiftly passing 
 through my mind, my eyes, now better accustomed 
 to the darkness, and perhaps their vision preter- 
 naturally sharpened by mental excitement, fell 
 upon an object which engendered a fearful sus- 
 picion. Springing towards it, a chill of horror 
 ran through all my frame when, on groping with 
 my foot, for my fettered arms could not perform 
 the office, I discovered, half hidden among the 
 rotting straw, the white and mouldering bones of 
 a human skeleton ! 
 
 Motionless, with straining eyes and inheld 
 breath, I stood gazing upon the ghastly, the 
 ominous spectacle ! — where now was that calm 
 resolution, that steady zealous devotion, within 
 which but a moment before I had contemplated 
 the approach of the destroying angel ? The ap- 
 palling object at my feet disclosed a tale which 
 opened my eyes to the truth ; and robbing mor-
 
 ADVENTURER, 91 
 
 tality of all the rich hues which enthusiasm will 
 often lend it, displayed it in its most disgusting 
 and hideous shape. 
 
 Hitherto, if the thought of death ever crossed 
 my imagination, it had been united with the fas- 
 cinating visions of honour and renown. The ani- 
 mating hopes and the spirit-stirring struggles of 
 the field of battle robbed it of all its terrors. Nay, 
 even in the discharge of my present more pacific 
 duty, while supporting the cause, the credit, and 
 the honour of my mastei>, I would have bared 
 my neck to the scimitar, or stretched it to the 
 executioner's rope, at the command of the tyrant 
 into whose power that duty had led me. But to 
 die a lingering solitary death, without the excite- 
 ment of a struggle, far from the sound of a human 
 voice, without hearing the blessing of a friend, or 
 even the curse of a foe j to sink by slow degrees 
 from the possession of youth, health, and strength, 
 and all my lately found happiness, without either 
 wound or sickness, to unnatural decay ; to perish 
 piecemeal by hunger, or by thirst, unopposed by 
 all external force, save by the passive resistance of 
 my dungeon walls ; for this I was not prepared. 
 My overwrought mind became disordered ; and 
 my awakened imagination busied itself in con- 
 juring up a wild succession of horrors. 
 
 I groaned aloud : I called for help, but no one 
 answered. The disorder of my mind increased, and
 
 92 THE PERSIAN 
 
 wilder visions whirled through my brain. My prison 
 and its hateful accompaniments seemed to flit from 
 my recollection, and once more I was in all the 
 hurry of a skirmish. I fancied myself assaulted by 
 Mouzuffer Khan and his myrmidons, and hotly 
 struggling with a mighty odds. It was a furious 
 conflict ; but still I was gaining ground upon my 
 foes. I saw the mighty form of Nadir pressing 
 through the throng, as often I had seen it in the 
 day of battle, while men fell before him like corn 
 before the reaper. I called aloud upon him to ap- 
 proach to save me ; but suddenly the ground gave 
 way beneath my feet. I fell, sunk down, — down, 
 — and remember no more. 
 
 How long I lay thus insensible I know not. 
 I was roused by the rude thrust of a man's foot, 
 and my ears were saluted by sounds as harsh as 
 the act. " How the devil comes this ? the fellow 
 is dead — gone to hell already ! How has this 
 come about ? But no matter ; the khan will be 
 all the better pleased, you may swear. Come, let 
 the carrion rot where it lies." My awakening 
 perception just comprehended the terrible con- 
 sequences of his error. The chance of being left 
 for dead in my dungeon, to moulder there as its 
 last tenant had done, was present to my mind 
 in all its horrors. I strove in agony to rise, but 
 could not stir ; my voice served me better. " I 
 am not dead," uttered I, feebly :" for God's
 
 ADVENTURER. 93 
 
 sake unbind my arms, and give me food and 
 drink." 
 
 " Hah ! pider sookhteh ! ^ is that the case ? 
 What ! sleeping, I w^arrant : the curse of the devil 
 on you ! w^hen better men are forced to w^atch. 
 Well, loose his arms, Allee, and let him eat the 
 food which the bounty of the khan provides for 
 such dogs. Bind them up again when he has fed." 
 — *' In the name of the blessed Prophet, don't bind 
 them again," exclaimed I. "Are not these walls 
 strong enough ? What can you dread from leav- 
 ing my arms at liberty ?" — '^ Silence, Ghorum- 
 saug ! — strong enough ! Ay, they are so ; they 
 will serve as a lodging longer than you will want 
 one. You think yourself a clever fellow, no 
 doubt, and a stout soldier ; but if you were Zal or 
 Roostum themselves, you are safe enough here ; 
 and blood, the blood you have shed shall you 
 pay for to the last drop." — " What blood 
 have I to answer for to you ?" said I in a 
 tone of amazement. " What blood ! — but hold 
 your accursed tongue, if you don't wish me to tear 
 it from your jaws." Here his companion whis- 
 pered something which I could not hear, upon 
 which he grunted out' an answer equally unin- 
 telligible. My arms were left unbound, and they 
 soon quitted the dungeon, carrying with them the 
 
 * One whose father has been burned (in hell) ; one of the most 
 common terms of Persian abuse.
 
 94 THE PERSIAN 
 
 lantern, which they had brought to light their 
 own way. 
 
 But they could not take from me the ray of 
 
 hope which the few words that had been dropt, 
 
 fierce and hostile as they were, and even the 
 
 simple fact of their coming near me at all, had let 
 
 in upon the dark and desponding condition in 
 
 which they found me. Whatever might be the 
 
 fate intended for me, I was not doomed to perish 
 
 by famine. It appeared that a charge of blood 
 
 had been preferred against me, and probably I 
 
 might be brought forth for trial. Even this 
 
 prospect admitted of some hope ; faint, indeed ; 
 
 for how could I expect impartial justice at such a 
 
 tribunal as that where I must appear ? But still 
 
 there was a hope — there was delay ; many events 
 
 might occur to better my condition; news of a 
 
 success from the army of Nadir ; a movement in 
 
 my favour by Ibrahim Khan ; an alteration in 
 
 the views of Mouzuffer Khan himself : — the 
 
 drowning man will catch at straws, and hope did 
 
 not desert even me. 
 
 Still I had a personal foe to contend with ; a 
 dark, deadly, persevering foe had even obtained 
 a charge of me, as it appeared. This was omi- 
 nous no doubt. Might he not take occasion to 
 satisfy his thirst of vengeance on a helpless enemy, 
 and anticipate the tardy steps of justice ? Might 
 not this premature act be even grateful to the
 
 ADVENTURER. 95 
 
 khan, as exonerating him in some degree from 
 the odium which could not but attach to the 
 pubhc execution of an accredited envoy? The 
 thought thrilled through my frame, as like an icy 
 bolt, and for a moment the cold dew stood upon 
 my forehead. But the raging of my mind had sub- 
 sided, and it was now more tranquil. I could 
 reason with more calmness, and saw, that if there 
 was much to dread, there still remained something 
 to hope. " My fate," said I, mentally, " is in 
 the hands of the Almighty ; what is written must 
 be !" I put up a prayer for protection, and re- 
 signed myself to his will. 
 
 I partook sparingly of the mouldy bread and 
 stagnant water, which the munificence of the 
 khan or the good -will of his servant had provided 
 for me ; and raking together with my hands the 
 straw which was least decayed, I strewed it in the 
 driest part of the cell ; and chill and damp as it 
 was, I gladly laid my weary limbs upon it. 
 
 It would be untrue to say that the succeeding 
 days were spent in perfect tranquillity, or were 
 entirely free from anxiety ; but I waited the result 
 of my confinement at least with calmness. My 
 mind was untinctured with despondency ; and 
 there were times when I was sensible of a ray of 
 cheerfulness, the offspring of a hope, which, almost 
 in spite of reason, lurked in my breast. Once in 
 each day a pittance of the same indifferent pro-
 
 96 THE PERSIAN 
 
 visions was brought me by a man who rudely 
 repulsed my repeated attempts to engage him in 
 conversation ; but did not in other respects mal- 
 treat me. My declared enemy did not again 
 appear. 
 
 I
 
 ADVENTURER. 97 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE PRISON. 
 
 A WEEK of my confinement had elapsed, when 
 ^ one day, at the time when my food was usu- 
 ally brought to me, a person whom I had not 
 before seen entered along with the keeper. 
 Instead of the ordinary meagre fare, they brought 
 with them a tray, upon which was placed a plate 
 . of pillaw and a savoury-smelling stew of meat. 
 I took this seeming piece of attention for a good 
 omen; and in the joy of the moment, exclaimed 
 with a cheerful voice, " Barekillah ! friends, this 
 looks well ! good tidings, I hope, are to follow 
 this good cheer."— ^^ Who speaks?" exclaimed 
 the stranger, starting. — '* Who ? — who should it 
 be but your prisoner, Ismael Khan, a servant of 
 Nadir Koolee Khan." — " Ismael Khan !" repeated 
 he, in a voice of very peculiar emphasis ,• but in- 
 stantly checking himself, he continued in a tone 
 of stern indifference, " Oh ! ay, I was dreaming, 
 
 VOL. I. E
 
 98 " THE PERSIAN 
 
 Well, thank the khan's bounty for this com^ 
 fortable change of diet, and enjoy it. Come, 
 Allee ; leave him to digest it as he may." With 
 these words they turned to quit the cell ; but as 
 the keeper preceded him with the lantern, my 
 new visitor turned suddenly round, dexterously 
 overturned the dishes which he had set before me, 
 and grasping my hand hard, exclaimed in an 
 earnest whisper, "Eat not a morsel, as you value 
 your life, until you see me again ;" and without 
 waiting my reply, he quickly followed his com- 
 panion, leaving me not a little amazed at his 
 strange and inconsistent behaviour. 
 
 His parting act had rendered the injunction 
 almost unnecessary ; for the victuals were scat- 
 tered about the muddy floor so completely, that 
 had I been ever so anxious, I could not have 
 gathered up a morsel. But what could be the 
 meaning of that injunction? — Why bring a poor 
 hungry prisoner savoury food, to tantaHse him 
 by prohibiting its use? Could it be poi- 
 soned ? was the first idea that struck me : the 
 warning: had all the earnestness of a friend's ad- 
 vice ; yet how should a friend find access to me 
 here, and be the emissary of one who sought 
 my death ?-r'Then his remarkable agitation at 
 hearing the sound of my voice, and my name ; 
 and the awkward manner in which he attempted 
 to conceal that agitation ; — all was puzzling in 
 
 i
 
 ADVENTURER. 99 
 
 the extreme. On reflecting too more coolly, a 
 something dawned upon me, a faint idea that 
 the tones of his own voice were not unknown 
 to me ; but in vain I racked my memory to dis- 
 cover where I had heard them, or to whom they 
 could belong ; still the fancy that this might be 
 a friend in disguise gained strength in my mind. 
 He had promised to return: — well, patience till 
 then : — and patience I was forced to exert ; al- 
 though the serenity I had enjoyed for the pre- 
 ceding week was greatly discomposed by what 
 had happened. 
 
 Hour after hour had passed on, but no one 
 came near me. Hunger I had none ; but a fierce 
 thirst had forced me to drain the last drop of 
 the small reserve which I had hitherto used the 
 precaution of retaining from the pittance of water 
 they gave me. A fever of anxiety and subdued 
 impatience preyed upon my vitals. 
 
 Midnight had now passed, and I said to my- 
 self, he will not come till morning; if, indeed, 
 the whole affair be not a delusion, and that I 
 am cheated by a creature of my own weakened 
 brain. But just as I was seeking to reconcile 
 myself to this bitter disappointment, my ear caught 
 the sound of light footsteps approaching : the key 
 grated cautiously in the lock — the door opened, 
 and, muffled in a dark Arab cloak, a man car- 
 rying a small covered lantern entered my cell.
 
 100 THE PERSIAN 
 
 Carefully closing the door, and listening awhile 
 before he quitted it, he turned the light of his 
 lamp full upon my face. '^ Ismael Beg !" ex- 
 claimed he, in a subdued and agitated voice^ 
 ^* Gholaum-e-Nadiree ! It is the same ! I could 
 not be mistaken ! Ah ! have you quite forgot- 
 ten your old comrade, Yar Mahomed?'' — " Yar 
 Mahomed !" repeated I slowly after a pause, dur- 
 ing which my dazzled eyes sought vainly to re- 
 cognise the features of him who addressed me. 
 — ^* Yar Mahomed ! my old messmate ! — can this 
 be?" — " Yes," replied he, turning the light of 
 the lantern upon his own person ; ^^ yes, it is 
 he indeed ; but changed, Ismael, changed like 
 yourself; only with you the change is for the 
 better — with me, for the worse. Many a trick 
 has evil fortune played me since we parted in 
 Mushed, where you got spirited away. Heaven 
 knows how. But I have not forgotten those plea- 
 sant days : I have not forgotten all your gene- 
 rous conduct, Ismael ; nor the tirnes you have 
 shared your purse with me and that reprobate 
 Fouje AUee ,• ?.y, and stood between us and the 
 wrath of our stern master, when need was. Fallen 
 as I am, I cannot — ^to save my own life, I could 
 not, be the executioner of my former friend : come 
 what may, this can never be !" 
 
 " My executioner ! — then it is true ?" said I? 
 shuddering, " it was poison then ? and thus it was
 
 ADVENTURER, 101 
 
 they would have settled accounts with me. Ah ! 
 my friend, we meet again in dismal circumstances ; 
 and these are sorry news to bring your old com- 
 panion; yet welcome, thrice welcome is your 
 voice and your presence to the poor prisoner; 
 even should the friend's embrace be followed by 
 the nassakchee's blow;" — and we embraced, and 
 I felt his warm tears flow upon my neck. 
 
 ^* Oh ! do not doubt my earnest wish to save 
 you," said \ ar Mahomed eagerly, when, after a 
 few moments of powerful emotion, 'we had seated 
 ourselves on the damp straw of my dungeon. 
 '* Believe that I am ready to risk my life for 
 yours, however small may be my power ; but this 
 is a terrible place. The khan (whispering) is 
 a fierce and bloody tj^rant ; and woe to the un- 
 fortunate wretch who braves or deceives him !" 
 — *' And how then happens it that I find Yar 
 Mahomed, once a confidential gholaum of the 
 mighty Nadir Koolee, now in the service of his 
 enemy ? — and such a service too ! why does he not 
 instantly quit it ?" 
 
 *' The history of my disgrace with Nadir, and 
 of the freaks of fortune that have thrown me 
 into the service of Mouzuffer Khan Karaooee, is 
 too long to be told you at present : thus far I 
 can inform you, that by a very unexpected event 
 I am now a nassakchee in the khan's confidence. 
 Last night only, on my return from a piece of
 
 102 THE PERSIAN 
 
 duty, he sent for me, and informed me that a 
 spy of Allah-yar-Khan, the ex-chief of Herat, 
 taken by his scouts, was confined in this dun- 
 geon ; that although justice demanded his death, 
 it was his wish, he said, to avoid an open breach 
 with Allah-yar-Khan, so that the execution could 
 not be conducted in public : to me he should 
 commit this piece of service. Business of the 
 last importance called him that night from Toor- 
 but ; but the spy was never more to see the light 
 of day ; and poison, he observed, would be the 
 surest means for avoiding equivocal appearances 
 or impertinent inquiries. The keeper had his or- 
 ders to admit me at all times. — * Be speedy,' con- 
 cluded he, ' and be faithful.* 
 
 '' The earnestness of the khan's manner, amount- 
 ing almost to trepidation, while he entered into 
 this unusual detail, convinced me that there was 
 something connected with this condemned pri- 
 soner beyond what he had seen fit to commu- 
 nicate, and which rendered his death at once a 
 measure of policy and of hazard ; but this was 
 no affair of mine ; — my duty was to obey the 
 master whom I served, and this duty I accord- 
 ingly addressed myself to perform. Little did I 
 guess who my intended victim was !" 
 
 " But the khan, you say, has left Toorbut: 
 whither, and for what purpose is he gone?" — 
 *' Neither are publicly declared," replied Yar Ma- 
 
 
 '0.
 
 ADVENTURER. l03 
 
 homed ; " but report states confidently that he 
 has gone to join the standard of Zoolfecar Khan, 
 the Abdallee. That chief, you are to know, after 
 succeeding in driving his rival Allah-yar-Khan 
 from Herat, and getting himself acknowledged 
 as leader of the Abdallee tribe, resolved to take 
 advantage of Nadir's absence from Khorasan, and 
 of the reports which at that time stated him to 
 have involved himself in a tedious and uncer- 
 tain war with the Osmanlees of Room.''^ En- 
 couraged by Houssein Khan, the Ghiljee chief of 
 Kandahar, and other discontented leaders of the 
 east, he has at length advanced towards Mu- 
 shed ; and hopes, in no long time, to invest that 
 city." 
 
 " Good God !" cried I, " what do you tell me ? 
 — ^Where are all the troops of the Zoheir-u-dou- 
 lut? — Where is Ibrahim himself? and how does 
 he permit his enemy thus to approach and seize 
 him by the very beard?" — " It is said," re- 
 plied Yar Mahomed, " that the troops of Ibra- 
 him have quite enough to do among the Koords, 
 and in the Attock ; so that he is unable to show 
 front to Zoolfecar Khan, who advances with ten 
 or twelve thousand picked Abdallees and Ghil- 
 jees. He has sent urgent summonses to all his 
 friends ; and MouzufFer Khan, believing that the 
 star of Nadir's destiny is now on the decline, 
 
 • Constantinople, Turkey,
 
 104 THE PERSIAN 
 
 has concluded a treaty with the Abdallee, and 
 gone with all his disposable force to join his 
 standard." 
 
 '' O Allah !" cried I, " to hear all this, and 
 thus to be immured, unable to bear my part in 
 what goes on ! — But what are the reports respect- 
 ing Nadir? — why should it be thought that his 
 fortune fails T—'' Reports," replied Yar Maho- 
 med, " confirmed through several channels, have 
 asserted that our old master has failed in his at- 
 tempt on the city of Bagdad, whither, depending 
 on the continued success of his arms, he had 
 somewhat too hastily marched : that he has been 
 worsted in several engagements with Ahmed Pa- 
 shah, the governor of that place ; and that unable 
 to make any further stand on that ground, he 
 has fled towards Fars, where he had left a con- 
 siderable body of troops. But it is moreover said 
 that these reverses have rendered his service so 
 unpopular, that he cannot procure recruits. Such 
 are the reports in circulation; and I fear, from 
 their general accordance with one another, and 
 the various channels through which they have 
 reached us, that they cannot be altogether with- 
 out foundation." 
 
 '^ I'll not believe them; although a thousand 
 messengers of evil were to swear it, I would not 
 credit them !" rejoineql I with some vehemence : 
 ** it cannot surely be : whose dogs are the Os-
 
 ADVENTURER. 105 
 
 manlees, to beat and drive back the practised 
 veteran troops of his highness ? — The reports must 
 be infamous falsehoods." — *' Softly, softly, friend ! 
 remember where you are," interrupted Yar Ma- 
 homed, placing his hand upon my mouth ; ^* recol- 
 lect that this violence is useless with me, and 
 may destroy us both, if it should attract notice : 
 be calm ^nd wary. The trust reposed in me em* 
 powers me to visit you occasionally ; but caution 
 is absolutely necessary to give value to this pri- 
 vilege. I myself am watched : I know this to 
 be the case ; and the least suspicion of an un- 
 derstanding between us would prove the sure 
 ruin of us both. The absence of the khan gives 
 us time to breathe, and to contrive. If I am able 
 to liberate, and fly with you, I ivill, at the ha- 
 zard of my life ; but it were madness to throw , 
 both yours and my own needlessly away. 1 
 must leave you now ; but I will soon see you 
 again, and shall do my best to add a little to 
 your comforts. This is not like some of the cham- 
 bers we have visited together," added he, look- 
 ing round him with a smile. ^* Here, take this 
 cloak, and this numud too," disengaging them 
 from his person, " they will defend you from the 
 cold and damp of this vile place : make as little 
 show of them as possible ; and now rest secure from 
 treachery. Eat freely of the food I bring or send
 
 106 THE PERSIAN 
 
 you. Adieu! — May God protect you, my dear 
 friend!'^ 
 
 He rose and quitted the vault as noiselessly 
 as he had entered it, leaving me to ruminate 
 at leisure on the caprice of fortune, which had 
 thrown two old companions together in so sin- 
 gular a manner, and in circumstances so critical ; 
 and to speculate upon the chance of escape which 
 this unexpected event might afford: — a chance 
 which, however obscure, had effectually disturbed 
 my former tranquilhty, and excited powerfully 
 that love of life, which the firm belief of my 
 approaching fate had hitherto induced me to si- 
 lence and subdue. 
 
 From this time forward Yar Mahomed fre- 
 quently visited me ; bringing along with him such 
 comforts as he could introduce without the risk 
 of exciting suspicion. Indeed my keeper seldom 
 remained with me long enough, during his daily 
 visits, to remark the alterations in the economy of 
 my dark cell ; and his brutal ferocity, which had 
 probably been chiefly excited by my bitter enemy, 
 had gradually sunk into sullen indifference. The 
 latter I did not see again ; and learned from Yar 
 Mahomed that he had most probably accoip- 
 panied the khan on his journey to meet Zoolfecar 
 Abdallee. 
 
 My days now passed on in quietness : hope 
 
 )
 
 ADVENTURER. ' 107 
 
 grew stronger as danger seemed each day less 
 pressing; till, with the sanguine spirit of youth, 
 I looked forward more confidently than reason 
 would acknowledge to the termination of my un- 
 comfortable bondage, through the agency of my 
 uewly recovered friend. 
 
 It was about ten days after this fortunate 
 change in my affairs that the keeper of my pri- 
 son entered one afternoon, bearing a metal tray 
 covered by a cloak of embroidered silk : he lifted 
 this with an air of something like respect, and 
 there appeared beneath it several dishes of sweet- 
 meats and confections, such as are made in the 
 harems of the great ; together with a few small 
 bottles of the inspissated juice of fruit for making 
 sherbet. — " You are in luck," said he, addressing 
 me in a less rough tone than usual, " This is a 
 present from the khanum : she has heard of your 
 misfortunes, and pities you ; and she has sent you 
 these niceties in token of her good-will. I am a 
 fool, to be sure, for my pains in bringing them, for 
 I may get my head into a scrape to please her : 
 but take them," continued he, " I can't stand 
 waiting here all day. — Why, what in the devil's 
 name are you dreaming of? why do you hesitate?" 
 seeing me eyeing the tempting dishes with sus- 
 picion, as the last simular occasion recurred to my 
 mind, and I began to think that, suspecting the 
 fidelity of Yar Mahomed, my captors had deter-
 
 108 THE PERSIAN 
 
 mined to do the job themselves. ^' What are yon 
 afraid of? Oh! I understand; but you're ail 
 wrong: they're wholesome, never fear. See!" — 
 and suiting the action to the word, he put forth 
 his huge dirty paw, and dashing it into several of 
 the dishes, transferred a portion of their contents 
 into his own mouth, to convince me that they 
 were not poisoned. ♦ 
 
 It was a coarse but conclusive method of de- 
 monstration ; besides, it was but good policy to 
 refrain from affronting the man in his first obliging 
 act ; so, thanking him for his kindness, I besought 
 him to return my humble acknowledgments to the 
 lady who had considered and felt for an unhappy 
 prisoner ; and my heart melted within me as I 
 did so ; for I thought of poor Shireen, left un- 
 protected and wretched by my mishap, in all the 
 anguish of miserable uncertainty ! The remem- 
 brance too of days long gone by arose unbidden ; 
 and the forms of the wretched Fatimah,- and the 
 mild and luckless Zeebah, flitted past the mental 
 eye. Oh, woman! kind and gentle being! if in 
 my short and troubled span of life thou hast cost 
 me very dear, how many bUssful moments have I 
 not yet owed to thee ! for how much tenderness 
 and sympathy am I not thy debtor ! Thy very 
 name acts as a charm upon my troubled senses, 
 and sends a thrill of delight through every 
 vein.
 
 ADVENTURER, 109 
 
 The jailer's information raised my hopes to the 
 most unreasonable pitch ; and from this kind at- 
 tention, which had its origin alone in the com- 
 passion of a benevolent female, I was mad enough 
 to anticipate an immediate or at least a very- 
 speedy deliverance from captivity. 
 
 I communicated this event to Yar Mahomed at 
 his next visit. After musing a while, he observed, 
 that if the story of the jailer were true, as there 
 was good reason to hope, the result to me, though not 
 exactly what my sanguine temper had anticipated, 
 might be of great importance. *^ I have reason 
 to know,'* said he, *' that theikhanum is a lady of 
 great worth, quite unlike her tiger-husband ; but 
 possessing over him no inconsiderable influence, 
 which she often makes use of to restrain his fero- 
 cious disposition, and mitigate the cruelty of his 
 acts. Such interposition would afford you the 
 best chance of safety. I will make it my business 
 to ascertain how far this may be looked for : — in the 
 mean time, should Allee the keeper,of himself lead 
 to the subject, endeavour cautiously to draw from 
 him what you can ; but beware arousing suspicion 
 by any unguarded question, for he is as crOss- 
 grained as an old mule. Coax him, and you may 
 lead him to any point ; but let him once imagine 
 that there is a design to entrap him, and he 
 becomes furious and dangerous." 
 
 Whatever might be the natural disposition of
 
 110 THE PERSIAN 
 
 Allee, there was from this time a striking altera- 
 tion in his behaviour to me, and a mighty increase 
 of attention to my comfort : clean dry straw was 
 brought into my cell, and its nuisances chiefly re- 
 moved. A coarse quilted cotton mattress was 
 given me to sleep upon ; the quality of my food 
 was improved, and its quantity increased. 
 
 On the second day another tray of delicate 
 viands and sweetmeats was conveyed to me, which 
 the keeper declared to be a further mark of the 
 khanum's compassion. " She is a worthy lady," 
 observed he, becoming more than ordinarily com- 
 municative upon the occasion ; " and you are not 
 the first captive in those dungeons who has had 
 cause to bless her name. Multitudes of the poor 
 are relieved by her bounty. Many a large sum 
 of money does she distribute in alms among the 
 dervishes and fakeers, who flock to bestow on 
 her their benedictions ; and the holy shrine at 
 Mushed has often been enriched by her sump- 
 tuous offerings. Ah ! she is truly an excellent 
 lady r 
 
 " May the blessing of the Prophet and of Allee 
 rest with her !" said I, taking advantage of his lo- 
 quacious mood : " she must be a most pious and 
 charitable person. Is she a young lady ?" — ^^ Ahah ! 
 is it there you are?" rejoined he with a half leer- 
 ing, half suspicious glance. — Is she young ? 
 By the head of the khan, this is the way with all
 
 ADVENTURER. HI 
 
 young fellows ; a woman can't do a kind or a civil 
 turn for them, but tchick ! that moment they set 
 down that she is in love with them ! No, no, my 
 fine youth, the khanum (the blessing of Fatimah be 
 upon her !) is no chicken, not much younger than 
 the khan himself." — " Is she his only wife?" in- 
 quired I, ''or has he many wives ?" — '' Hah ! 
 what have such as you and I to do with what 
 passes behind the curtain in the houses of the 
 great ?" returned the man. " Who can tell how 
 many women the khan may have ? But report 
 says, that although my master was once a sad 
 rake, and could not keep his harem full enough of 
 women, all that is past, and but little serves his 
 turn now. He has other matters to mind, to be 
 sure ; and this lady, his first and principal wife, 
 is now paramount in the underroon." — *' And of 
 what family is the khanum, pray ?" — " Why, she 
 was daughter to NujjufF Khan, Affshar, a chief who 
 dwelt somewhere to the north of Mushed. The 
 match was made when Allee Koolee Khan, the 
 father of my master, then high in confidence with 
 the governor of Khorasan, was employed in mi- 
 litary expeditions against the Toorkomans and 
 Oozbecks.'' 
 
 " An Affshar !" I was about to exclaim ; but 
 prudence checked the impulse. Here was a link 
 of sympathy and connection by no means to be
 
 112 THE PERSIAN 
 
 lost sight of, although extreme caution would be 
 required in making use of the discovery. '' And 
 what may be the business which you say had 
 robbed the beauties of his harem of the khan's 
 devotion ?" inquired I, more with a view to 
 change the subject than with any other object. 
 But the question was unlucky, for it set the man's 
 suspicion afloat. ^' What business !" repeated he, 
 with something like a return of his rude manner. 
 " Why, business that is neither yours nor mine ; 
 and you might do better, and so might I, than 
 stand prating about matters that don't concern 
 you." With these words he withdrew, leaving me 
 full of what I had just heard. 
 
 There was in truth matter enough to occupy my 
 mind, and busily did it go to work upon it. It 
 appeared all but certain that the benevolent dis- 
 position of the good khanum might be by proper 
 means turned to much better account than that of 
 furnishing occasional supplies of pastry and sweet- 
 meats ; but it might not be easy to de\'ise those 
 means. A medium of communication was indis- 
 pensable ; and where was that to be found ? The 
 jailer, it was evident, was to a certain degree dis- 
 posed to attend to the orders of the khanum ; but 
 how far he might choose to imperil his own neck 
 by extending his good offices to her protege in 
 any essential point, might be at least doubtful ;
 
 ADVENTURER. 113 
 
 and to tamper with him might endanger more than 
 merely the loss of the comparative kindness he 
 had begun of late to show to me. 
 
 Yar Mahomed, though perfectly friendly and 
 well disposed, was timid ; perhaps wisely so. He 
 feared, as it seemed, to risk any thing for an un- 
 certain result, where failure must be ruin ; his 
 inquiries, so far as I had learned from himself, 
 were hitherto fruitless. Yet he also had abundant 
 cause of anxiety — abundant cause for wishing to 
 see my deliverance effected. The khan might 
 unexpectedly arrive, and he then would have 
 to give an account of the duty with which he had 
 been charged. Now then was the time for action, 
 were the means of acting but in our hands. 
 
 These and similar reflections kept my thoughts 
 busily employed ; and I had leisure enough at this 
 time for considering events and consequences in 
 every horrible variety of connection ; for several 
 days now intervened without a visit or communi- 
 cation from any of my friends. I began to dread 
 that some unlucky discovery had taken place, or 
 that frightened at the danger of concerning them- 
 selves in the affairs of one whose doom was 
 sealed, they had retired and abandoned me to my 
 fate ;— but I was deceived. 
 
 It was about a week after my conversation with 
 the jailer, and near the hour of midnight, that, 
 while stretched upon a couch, rendered sleepless
 
 114 
 
 THE PERSIAN 
 
 by sickening anxiety, I was startled by hearing the 
 key grate cautiously in the wards of the lock. 
 In due time the door turned slowly on its hinges 
 to admit two persons, who maintained a perfect 
 silence, pne of these was the jailer ; the other, 
 muffled in a cloak abba, I could not recognise. 
 ** Hush I" uttered the former in the suppressed tones 
 of caution, " I bring you a friend : — beware of 
 imprudent exclamation, which may be dangerous. 
 Behold a messenger from the khanum." 
 
 Turning my eyes at those words upon the per- 
 son to whom they referred, I saw the abba and 
 turban drop to the ground, exposing the blue 
 checked veil and low stature of a woman ! Amazed 
 at this unexpected apparition, I started to my 
 feet, and sprung forward. "Lady," I began: — 
 *' Prisoner," interrupted she, " be silent ! listen 
 to my words, and only answer to my questions : 
 who and what are you ?" — " Lady, I am in your 
 power : whether your intentions toward me be 
 good or evil, I have no means to resist them, nor 
 do I desire to conceal either my name or quality : 
 the knowledge can injure neither myself nor the 
 cause I serve ; therefore will I answer you with all 
 truth. My name is Ismael, an officer in the ser- 
 vice of Nadir Koolee Khan, general of all the 
 armies of Persia, restorer and protector of the 
 kingdom ; and I was intrusted by Ibrahim Khan, 
 the brother of that Nadir, with a special mission
 
 ADVENTURER. 115 
 
 to MouzufFer Khan of this place. Why I am now 
 a prisoner, and my life in imminent peril, let 
 those explain who can." — " Thou hast answered 
 to thy name," resumed my concealed visitor, after 
 a pause of some moments ; '* but thou hast not 
 declared thy family : — art thou of city origin? or 
 dost thou claim descent from some noble tribe?" 
 — *' My birth is noble, and my tribe might vie in 
 glory and importance with the best and most pow- 
 erful of Persia, even if it had not to number 
 among its sons the brightest ornament and lumi- 
 nary of the age. I am of the tribe of AfFshar and 
 family of Keerkloo; thus claiming the same de- 
 scent as the mighty Nadir himself." — "No doubt 
 the family of Keerkloo is noble," replied the fe-* 
 male ; " but it too had many branches : which of 
 these is it then that owns thee for its son ? how is 
 thy father called ?" — " My valiant father, whose 
 soul is now in Paradise, was chief of Karabu- 
 laugh : his name Moorteza Khan." 
 
 The half-suppressed exclamation which escaped 
 her lips as I uttered these words might have 
 passed either for an unmeaning ejaculation, or an 
 expression of regret at my father's untimely fate. 
 " The manner of his death ?" again questioned 
 she. " He was murdered by the Toorkomans : he 
 and his whole family : I alone escaped. But ex- 
 cuse me ; I too may now surely put a question in
 
 il6 THE PERSIAN 
 
 my turn. Why these particular and urgent in- 
 quiries ; and what effect may their answers, thus 
 frankly given, have upon my own fate ?" — ^^ Rest 
 contented, young man; be convinced that nothing 
 but good is meant thee from my agency ; friends 
 whom thou dreamest not of watch over thy safety : 
 be patient, and hope for better days." — ^'But who' 
 are these friends ? may I not know them ? Will 
 you not cheer a captive, by telling him of those 
 who are interested in his fate ? Ah ! if you knew 
 the anxious doubts to which he must continue a 
 prey, you would not leave him in ignorance, and 
 yet talk to him of patience, of tranquillity." 
 — '^ Yet thus must it be,*' said the female ; ^' the 
 knowledge could avail thee nothing, and might be 
 fatal both to you and others." — " Oh ! I will brave 
 the danger," said I, "only tell me — is it the kha- 
 num V — " The khanum ! imprudent young man ! " 
 repeated the stranger with a start, and pointing 
 towards the keeper, who still stood near us, with a 
 significant gesture : — " the khanum, indeed ! — but 
 who knows ? you may not be far wrong : only bd 
 calm, be prudent; the time may not be long ere 
 you see me again." With these words she yielded 
 to the impatient signals of the keeper, and quitted 
 the prison. 
 
 How could she speak of calmness, or tell me 
 that the time of her absence would not be lons^ ?
 
 ADVENTURER. 117 
 
 *— the pace of a snail itself is swift, when compared 
 with the lapse of hours, of minutes, to the anx- 
 ious and miserable prisoner ! Day after day, and 
 night after night lingered on, hke a lame and 
 j^ded steed upon a journey of life and death, and 
 still no tidings came. Patience ! — for ever pa- 
 tience ! — mine was at length thoroughly exhausted ; 
 and the chill of despair was fast creeping over my 
 heart, when the sudden entrance of Yar Mahomed 
 one evening made me start with renewed and 
 eager expectation from the couch on which I had 
 listlessly thrown myself. But, however anxious 
 to learn the intelligence of which he might be the 
 bearer, his long-continued absence at so critical 
 a time had inspired me with a degree of mistrust ;* 
 and this was visible in the constraint which some- 
 what checked my eager glance of inquiry as I 
 rose to receive him. 
 
 ** You doubt me, Ismael," said he, replying to 
 the hesitating expression of my countenance : 
 *^ you believed that I had deserted you ; and, in 
 truth, appearances might warrant your mistrust : 
 but if little of my time has been passed in your 
 company, the more of it has been spent in your 
 service ; and not, as I hope, unsuccessfully. The 
 hour of action is at hand, and not a moment must 
 be lost. An attempt to set you at liberty will be 
 made before two days are passed : thus far it is
 
 118. THE PERSIAN 
 
 necessary for you to know, in order that "you may 
 be prepared to act when called upon ; but further, 
 it would neither be possible nor safe to explain 
 myself. Breathe not a word before your keeper ; 
 take heed lest you rouse his suspicions : — ^though 
 the fellow has been made our tool, we dare not, 
 and will not trust him. At present he is passive 
 and harmless ; but one unlucky word might con- 
 vert him into an active enemy, and frustrate all 
 our hopes. Farewell ! when the time comes you 
 shall be taught how to act ; you will hear from 
 us^-from your friends." 
 
 " But stay — stay, my friend : surely yoii 
 may explain to me whence I am to receive this 
 aid : — who are these secret friends on whom I 
 am thus blindly required to rely ? — were it only 
 to guard against treachery, I should learn in whom 
 I may confide." — " I cannot explain, or inform 
 you of particulars ; there is not time to tell you 
 half of that, which, inchallah ! you shall soon 
 know ; such confidences could not be attempted 
 here : we stand on dangerous ground ; a mine may 
 explode at our feet, even while we deem ourselves 
 most secure. Once more, farewell ! be prepared 
 to seize whatever opportunity presents itself; and 
 rouse your own powerful energies to follow the 
 directions, and second the efforts of your friends 
 with all promptitude and exactness." He de- 
 
 1
 
 ADVENTURER. 119 
 
 parted, and left me once more to the workings of 
 my own wild conjectures; which in truth were 
 busily, but vainly exercised, in attempting to 
 discover who this secret friend or friends might 
 be.
 
 120 THE PERSIAN 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE ESCAPE. 
 
 In vain and groundless conjectures to relieve 
 that restless impatience, which the anticipated 
 approach of so interesting a crisis could not fail 
 to excite, the night passed slowly and painfully 
 away. Often were my keenly awakened senses 
 aroused by fancied noises, proclaiming as I fondly 
 hoped the approach of my deliverers; and as 
 often did I sink back upon my uneasy pallet, dis- 
 appointed and depressed. 
 
 The morning found me half-worn out with 
 wakefulness and anxiety, but still ardent in hope. 
 Yet as hour after hour flitted slowly away in th^ same 
 tedious, irksome monotony, and the day wore on 
 without signal or event to arrest my attention, 
 all my efforts were unequal to repress the in- 
 creasing irritation of my frame. Mind and body 
 at length gave way under the struggle ; and about 
 three hours after noon I simk into a torpor.
 
 ADVENTURER. 121 
 
 which though disturbed at first, by degrees set- 
 tled into a profound slumber, from which I was 
 awakened by a slight noise in my cell. On look- 
 ing up, I became aware of three persons standing 
 near me, two of whom were muffled in loose and 
 ample garments ; the third was my keeper. 
 
 Scarcely awake, it was some moments ere I 
 could collect my faculties, and determine whether 
 the objects before me were other than the unsub- 
 stantial creatures of a dream ; but the voice of 
 the keeper bidding me to rise, and attend to my 
 visitors, dissipated the illusion, and convinced me 
 that what I saw was real. 
 
 " Come, come, good aunt !" said the keeper, 
 " we have no time to lose ; you can't remain here 
 long ; indeed I am running more risk than I 
 ought to do in permitting this visit to the pri- 
 soner at all. Do you and your companion at 
 once tell him your message ; leave your presents 
 and depart. Only think what might happen 
 should some of the visiting officers chance to come 
 by and find the female slaves of the khanum in the 
 dungeons of the kallah ! Stakfurullah ! think of 
 that.'" — " We shall — we shall be quick, my good 
 Allee," replied one of the women, in whose voice 
 I recognised my former female visitor. ^^ But, 
 believe me, no evil can happen ; for if any one 
 should see us, we should be taken for a pair of 
 those reverend hadjees, who are constantly offering 
 
 VOL. I. F
 
 122 THE PERSIAN 
 
 themselves to exchange blessings for alms with 
 my excellent and pious mistress ; — may Allah bless 
 li^r! And few ever pass too near this dismal 
 place towards nightfall. But remember your pro- 
 mise ; we are to be left here by ourselves for a 
 few minutes. No danger with old women like us ; 
 and you know the khanum desired that her mes- 
 sage might be delivered to the prisoner alone. 
 No wonder, poor lady ! that she, an Aifshar, 
 should feel an interest in Affshar blood, and seek 
 to learn the fate of her kinsfolk from one of her 
 own tribe." 
 
 ** "Well, well ! I'll do as you would have me : 
 you are throwing «dttst in my eyes perhaps ; but 
 you may find them sharper than you think for. 
 Come, despatch ! I give you just ten minutes ; its 
 enough for a mooUah's sermon, and for ten of the 
 longest messages that a lady ought to send to 
 any prisoner." 
 
 With these words he quitted the cell ; and no 
 sooner had the door closed upon him than the 
 old lady, dropping her wrapping cloak and turban, 
 and turning to me, whispered in low but earnest 
 tones^ — " Prisoner ! — Ismael ! — attend ! we have 
 no time to lose in idle explanations : strip off 
 yomr upper garments instantly, and pttt qh this 
 veil, which will conceal your whok person. In 
 this disguise, and with this lady for your cwnpa- 
 nion, you must pass from this ^cell to-^night, or 
 
 i
 
 ADVENTURER. 123 
 
 never quit it with life. I will remaiu ia your 
 stead. — Come ! — quick ! — despatch !" 
 
 *^ And who then are you ?" replied I hesitatingly. 
 *' Why do you propose thus to sacrifice yourself 
 for me !"■ — *^ Oh ! waste not the precious mo- 
 ments in these vain questions : be satisfied ; I run 
 no risk ; no harm can come to me : your guide 
 and companion will tell you every thing. Once 
 more, by the head of your father and your own 
 soul — ^by every thing you value most, lose not this 
 only chance of life and liberty : involve not others 
 who love you well in death and ruin." I hesi- 
 tated no longer. While I divested myself of 
 kabba and ulcaluc, the speaker threw off her veil, 
 under which appeared another, which concealed 
 her person as completely as before. '^ Come, I 
 must assist you," continued she, giving directions 
 at intervals concerning the management of my 
 disguise : " there, fold it up, thus ; and wrap it 
 around you so, with your arms : on witli these 
 buskins next ; now these slippers ; so, the abba 
 over your shoulders, and the turban. Mash-Allah ! 
 you're complete." 
 
 In another moment my ulcaluc and kabba 
 were drawn over her under garments and veil, my 
 cap was on her head, and my sHppers on her feet. 
 She was above the ordinary height of women, and 
 looked the part of Ismael sufiieienitly well t© dfi- 
 
 1
 
 l24 THE PERSIAN 
 
 ceive one who entertained no suspicion of the 
 trick ; especially in the darkness of my dungeon. 
 On my part, had success depended upon the 
 felicity with which I imitated the mincing gait of a 
 female, it would have scarcely attended my ef- 
 forts, for I felt the awkwardness of every motion : 
 but the complete envelopement of my abba and 
 turban gave me some confidence ; and hope 
 mingled with the apprehensions which the ap- 
 proaching crisis could tioi fail to excite. 
 
 Scarcely had our exchange of dress been ef- 
 fected, and conversation been resumed in a more 
 natural key, when the growling voice of the 
 keeper was heard announcing that the stipulated 
 time was expired, and that the ladies must forth- 
 with depart. '' We are ready,'' replied the voice 
 of her, who had been the speaker. *' May God 
 protect you, Ismael ! Rest assured that the kha- 
 num v/ill use her best endeavours vvdth his high- 
 ness in your behalf." She was yet speaking 
 when the door opened, and the keeper appeared. 
 Standing close to my lowly pallet, she motioned 
 me away, making at the same time the customary 
 obeisance of one who takes leave of a benefactor 
 and murmured in a voice intended to resemble 
 mine — *' May your shadow and favour never 
 diminish !" The shuffling of slippers and the rust- 
 ling of garments partly drowned these accents ;
 
 ADVENTURER 
 
 125 
 
 and at the same moment I took the lead, mutter- 
 ing to my companion something unintelhgible, in 
 tones as feminine as I could assume. 
 
 In crossing the threshold, (which I took care to 
 do with the lucky foot foremost,) I permitted the 
 blue-checked woman's veil to appear, in order that 
 the keeper might feel satisfied of our identity with 
 those whom he had so lately admitted ; but the 
 precaution was unnecessary, for the man lingered 
 behind us for a moment to see that all was right 
 within the cell, and to secure it with lock and 
 bolt. 
 
 In the mean time my companion laid a trembling 
 hand upon my arm : ^^ Keep close to me," whis- 
 pered she, *^ and say not a word to that man : 
 even if he overtakes us he will ask no questions ; 
 therefore, in the name of Allah ! be silent." She 
 glided swiftly down the passage, which I remem- 
 bered when first dragged hither, and which was 
 now in darkness ; but the door at its extremity 
 was shut, and our speed was necessarily checked 
 until the keeper should come to open it. This was 
 the trying moment ; a single question requiring 
 from me an answer, and we were lost. Forward 
 at length he came, growhng in his usual key : "111 
 luck hast thou brought me, aunt ; and the father 
 of asses am I to let myself be cajoled vdth your 
 nonsense : remember, though, I'll put my head no
 
 126 THE PERSIAN 
 
 more in jeopardy for you or any woman. I don't 
 understand these messages and presents, and 
 eternal visitings of dungeons. I can't comprehend 
 what the khanum, a respectable lady beyond 
 doubt, can want with a miserable Mushedee spy, 
 who, if he had his deserts, would, I dare say, long 
 since have been hanged hke a dog, and have 
 saved me much trouble/' 
 
 '^ Ah ! now^ Allee, don't speak so harshly," re- 
 plied my companion, stepping adroitly in to cover 
 my embarrassment, " my poor friend here is suffi- 
 ciently overcome, as you may perceive, by her in- 
 terview with that poor young man. Spare your 
 reproaches then ; and remember how hard it must 
 be for her to see a clansman of her mistress and 
 her own in so melancholy a condition ; for, alas ! — 
 but hark ! — ^what sound is that ?" continued she, 
 in accents of affected alarm : '* Ullah kereem ! 
 what shall we do ? — some one approaches : for 
 the sake of Allee let us begone, or we may be 
 discovered. May good fortune be yours ! — come, 
 respectable Khadijah, take comfort ! — salute your 
 good nephew, and let us begone." — "Khodah ha- 
 fiz shumah!" uttered I, in a voice of affected 
 emotion, while the keeper cast his eyes over my 
 figure with a scrutinising glance, which shot a pang 
 of alarm to my heart : but while he turned to ar- 
 range his bars and bolts we passed him ; and tra- 
 versing the little court in which the prison stood,
 
 ADVENTURER. 127 
 
 were threading the passages which led to it be- 
 fore he had finished his operations. 
 
 '* Take courage!" whispered the same soft fe- 
 male voice ; '^ the worst is now passed, and we 
 are not far from our friends.'* Turning short 
 through a little door, which opened like a wicket, 
 in a lofty wall upon our left, and which gave way 
 at the touch of my conductress, we entered ano- 
 ther court, which was at this time empty. " This 
 is the old harem," said she ; '* at this hour it is 
 generally deserted ; for all the women are now 
 assembled at their evening meal, in the principal 
 apartments around the khanum's chambers : — 
 but, hush! — some one approaches. Come into this 
 niche ; it is dark, and will conceal us : we ska 11 
 be safe here till they pass." We entered, and 
 waited anxiously for the appearance of the in- 
 truders. 
 
 In a few moments two persons approached, in- 
 tently engaged in conversation. The voice of one 
 proclaimed the speaker to be a woman ; the other 
 spoke in the peculiar shrill and cracked voice of 
 an eunuch. " I tell you, Aga, I am certain of it," 
 said the female voice ; " I am positive that it was 
 her I saw shpping out ; and it was in this direc- 
 tion too she went ; for I watched her from the 
 loop-hole in that old tower yonder." 
 
 " Well, but where could she be going?" in- 
 quired the cracked voice : *' that she has some
 
 128 THE PERSIAN 
 
 mischief in her head, I don't doubt, for few of her 
 sex are without it ; but what it may be, I cannot 
 yet discover. Had I my will within these walls, 
 as I ought to have, not a young hussy of them 
 all should stir out of the courts or gardens of the 
 harem ; ay, nor from their own chambers, without 
 my knowledge and permission/' — *^ Mash-Allah ! 
 they would have little use of their feet then, Aga ! " 
 retorted the female. '* The less the better," re- 
 sponded the eunuch ; " but the khanum — ^ill-luck 
 be her portion ! has it all her own way, and I am 
 nobody. — But, Inshallah ! my time may come 
 again. As for this light-heeled shameless, I shall 
 find out her tricks, no fear of it ; and then, by 
 the head of the khan ! she shall pay for her scorn 
 of Aga Yussuff!" — '* Ay, ay," quoth the fe- 
 male, ^^ we know how the story goes ; the rope, 
 or the sack, the cup, or mayhap that fine old 
 eastern tower ; or what think you of that nice old 
 dry well in the inner court yonder? they say it 
 could tell some strange tales too." — ^* To be sure 
 it could," replied the aga ; '■'■ and a good conve- 
 nient lodging it is for all impudent baggages : — I 
 would it were oftener so occupied !" — *' Well, 
 well, Aga, no doubt you would play us many a 
 clever trick, and rule with a sharp hand in the 
 harem, if our old mistress were once out of the 
 way ; yet, even in that case, I fancy your services 
 would scarcely now be valued. The khan, our
 
 ADVENTURER. 129 
 
 master, God preserve him ! is now a changed 
 man: httle cares he for his w^omen now-a-days. 
 He whom fifty picked beauties could not satisfy, 
 is at length contented with an old wrinkled hag ! 
 — What news is this ? — she must have some talis- 
 man, some charm about her, beyond all doubt. — 
 It must be magic !" 
 
 '* Magic, indeed !*' quoth the eunuch; " it is 
 the magic of old age, I fancy ; old age and de- 
 bauchery, which never fail in due time to make 
 the khan and the aga alike ; and as for the kha- 
 num, she has a head fit to rule a kingdom, that 
 must be said for her ; no wonder she has found 
 the weak side of MouzufFer Khan ; but her time 
 may come for all that." — " Yes, it may," rejoined 
 the female ; " but in the mean time let us pursue 
 our search ; let us catch the sly, demure Hoos- 
 seinee. — How I do hate that daughter of e'sdl ! — It 
 was this way she passed, and far from hence she 
 cannot be." 
 
 During the whole of this dialogue my com- 
 panion, who at the first sound of their voices had 
 been seized with a fit of trembling, clung con- 
 vulsively to my arm, and continued to shake so 
 violently, that it was with difficulty I could sup- 
 port her. Although not a syllable passed between 
 us, it required no great penetration to perceive 
 that she not only recognised the voices of the 
 speakers, but felt that the subject of their dis-
 
 130 THE PERSIAN 
 
 course had reference to herself: the absence of 
 herself and her companion had doubtless been 
 discovered ; these persons were obviously in search 
 of them ; and the malevolent perseverance which 
 was indicated both by the words and actions of 
 her pursuers completed the despair of my ter- 
 rified conductress. 
 
 The woman and the eunuch now separated, 
 and we could distinctly hear the directions which 
 the latter gave for conducting the search around 
 one side of the court, and the buildings connected 
 with it, while he took charge of the other, in 
 such a manner, that they might meet at the en- 
 trance to the passage beyond. It was now quite 
 dark ; the last yellow gleam in the west had given 
 place to the glimmer of a few stars, which threw 
 just light enough to display the white dress of 
 the eunuch, as with smothered execrations he 
 groped and stumbled from one empty cell to ano- 
 ther in the prosecution of his search. 
 
 It was not without a thrill of horror that I be- 
 came satisfied we could not continue long con- 
 cealed ; that the thorough search which these 
 persons were now making must in a very few 
 moments discover our hiding place : it was a ques- 
 tion of life and death ; and at whatever rate I 
 might value my own life, it was no less than a 
 duty to protect, at all hazards, that of the friend 
 who had placed herself in jeopardy to save me.
 
 ADVENTURER. 131 
 
 There was not a moment to be lost ; so making 
 my arrangements, I mustered up my best energies 
 for the encounter. Placing my trembling compa- 
 nion in the farthest recess of the cell, I stood 
 before her, prepared to anticipate the expression 
 of the aga's surprise when he should discover 
 our presence. " O God !" whispered the poor 
 girl, " what are you going to do ? — all is in 
 vain; he will alarm the place, and we are lost 
 without hope." — *' Hush! speak not a word, 
 whatever you may see or hear : only rouse your 
 strength and courage that you may be able to 
 guide me from hence, if this obstacle shall be re- 
 moved." — " But, Oh, Ismael ! be not rash ! — Oh, 
 think! — consider! — shed not blood: it cannot 
 do us good." — " Hush ! — be silent ! — he comes!" 
 Perhaps the murmur of our subdued voices, or 
 the rustling of our garments, had caught the eu- 
 nuch's ear ; for at that moment he advanced 
 straight to the recess. I saw his figure, relieved 
 against the light, as with extended arms he en- 
 tered the dark jaws of the cell : one moment 
 more would have been too late ; the half-uttered 
 cry of exultation would have escaped his lips, 
 and spread the alarm : — but it never passed them. 
 My hands, nerved for the occasion, grasped his 
 throat with the strength of a giant : the miserable 
 man struggled hard for a few moments ; but hor- 
 ror and surprise, joined with that throttling gripe,
 
 132 THE PERSIAN 
 
 withered his strength: he fell to the earth; his 
 limbs quivered convulsively : the fearful rattle of 
 death was heard in his breast — and then all was 
 still. '' Oh, Ismael !— Oh ! for Allah's sake ! let 
 him go," half shrieked the terrified girl. " Oh ! 
 this is too horrible !" — ^' Hush !" replied I, ^' there 
 is no other means. — And now, now is the time — 
 our last and only chance : lead on while the way 
 is clear."- — ^' I cannot: I have no power," re- 
 joined she, trembling exceedingly. " You must," 
 urged I solemnly: "think, it is Hfe or death: 
 let not this man's blood have been shed in vain. 
 In the name of Allah ! come on." — " Oh ! I will 
 try," gasped my conductress; — '' life or death, in- 
 deed !— Come on, then ; and God support me !" 
 
 I took the body of the wretched aga, threw it 
 as far as possible into the recess, possessed myself 
 of the kunjur which he wore, a useless defence at 
 his girdle, and following the tottering steps of my 
 companion, onward we went, favoured by the sha- 
 dows of the wall and our own dark vestments. 
 A narrow passage led from this court towards the 
 khanum's apartments, from whence now issued 
 loud and numerous voices, with all the merriment 
 which belongs to the hour of evening repast and 
 amusement. But avoiding these, we turned down 
 another passage, at an angle with the one by 
 which we had come, and which terminated in a 
 door-way. It was with inexpressible joy that I
 
 ADVENTURER. 133 
 
 saw it opened beyond the high wall which sur- 
 rounded the harem. Within the door, however, 
 there was a small chamber, in which sat an eunuch 
 upon duty: this was an obstacle for which my 
 conductress was prepared; and somewhat reco- 
 vered from her panic, and re-assured by our par- 
 tial success, she now came forward to the charge. 
 ^' Who have we here ?" demanded the guard, 
 in some surprise at our dress and appearance. 
 ** You want to know, perhaps?" returned my 
 companion ; ^* but we do not satisfy impertinent 
 inquiries : we are on the khanum's business, and 
 must pass without delay or question." — *' Not one 
 step do you pass," rejoined the eunuch, doggedly, 
 '^ until I know more about you and your busi- 
 ness. — Come, off with your veils !" — '' Unveil ! 
 — shameless. — Hark ye, if you don't want to have 
 your delicate feet reduced to a jelly, and to see 
 your beautiful toes all deprived of their nails for a 
 month, you will say not another word, but forth- 
 with open the door. — Behold this signet ! " — and 
 taking a small ring from her bosom, she showed it 
 to the guard, who looked at it by the light of a 
 lamp. " Bebuxsheed ! — forgive me!" said he, 
 with altered tone ; *' if such be the khanum's 
 pleasure, her slave has only to obey. Hoh ! you 
 guards there!" added he, opening the gate, and 
 speaking to the two sentinels beyond the wall, 
 ** permit these two persons to pass."—'* Chushm !
 
 134 THE PERSIAN 
 
 by Qur eyes!" replied the guard, and drawing up, 
 the one on the right, and the other on the left, as 
 we issued from it, they gave us free passage. 
 
 Our pace was prudently deliberate while we 
 remained within sight of these trusty guards ; but 
 my breath came more freely as, turning an angle 
 of the wall, we sped swiftly onward. '* The worst 
 is indeed past," observed my conductress in low 
 earnest tones ; " but, Ismael, there still is cause 
 of fear. — ^What if that girl have given the alarm ? 
 and she soon must discover what has happened. 
 The gate of the kallah is yet to pass ; but I ap- 
 prehend no interruption there unless the alarm has 
 been given. One of our friends should meet us 
 near it." 
 
 While she spoke we turned another angle, and 
 entered the small court within the gate of the kal- 
 lah, where the guards on duty have their quarters, 
 and those upon business wait for audience. At 
 this time the guard was reduced in strength, for 
 the greater number of those appointed to this duty 
 had accompanied the khan ; and of those who re- 
 mained, many were engaged in preparing, or de- 
 vouring their evening meal. 
 
 In one corner of this court stood two asses, pro- 
 vided with pack-saddles, and a man who held them 
 was casting his eyes about anxiously in all direc- 
 tions. The moment we entered the court he ob- 
 served and advanced towards us, and I saw that
 
 ADVENTURER. 1^5 
 
 it was my friend Yar Mahomed. ^* Welcome, 
 my lord ! welcome, most venerable moollah ! your 
 place has been void ; your slave has devoured 
 much of the bitter bread of anxiety and disappoint- 
 ment for these two hours past : but your honours 
 have far to go, and must lose no time : — please to 
 mount your beasts." This was immediately 
 done, and drawing our dai'k abbas close around 
 us, winding our shawls in folds about our necks, 
 and holding down our heads to conceal the wo- 
 men's veils which still covered our faces, we 
 boldly proceeded to the gate, of which the wicket 
 alone was open. 
 
 " Hilloah ! who goes there?'' roared out one 
 of the guards as we were in the act of stepping 
 through. '*• Only the most reverend moollahs 
 Hadjee Moossa Toosee, and Meerza Cossim Is- 
 pahanee, who having arrived from Kerbelah with 
 clay stamps and beads from that holy place, have 
 enjoyed the honour of being entertained by the 
 khanum ; — may her shadow be ever fortunate ! and 
 the pious lady has appointea her slave to conduct 
 the venerable saints so far on their auspicious 
 way." — ^' Very good ! very good ! but it is a late 
 hour for the holy men to set out : perhaps they 
 would halt awhile, and thrust their fingers into 
 a soldier's pillaw, by-and-by ; and tell us a httle 
 of their adventures on the hadj to Mecca and 
 Kerbelah. Some of us too would perhaps like to
 
 136 THE PERSIAN 
 
 have a tusbee,''^ or a stamp so undoubtedly ge* 
 nume." — '^ No, no, brother : these saints are bound 
 by vow to the Imaumzadeh noor-u-deen Allee, 
 where they remain for two days engaged in prayer, 
 before proceeding to the holy durgah at Mushed : 
 so pray open the gate without delay." — '* Well, 
 well ! since it must be so, let them go in God's 
 name ! they may meet with a worse offer : but 
 perhaps they have a good shaum (dinner) awaiting 
 them where they are going ; so, bismillah !" The 
 man lazily arose to open the ponderous creaking 
 gates ; and peeping as he passed into the face of 
 my companion — *' A queer-looking mooUah this!" 
 exclaimed he, in a ton^ of surprise. " By the 
 holy kabba ! if his prayers and his pilgrimages 
 have not turned his face as white as a sheet, nose, 
 eyes and all ! Punah-be khodah ! defend me 
 from such devotion !" His hearty laugh mingled 
 with the grating sound and heavy clash of the 
 gate, as it closed after us, and left us clear of the 
 kallah and its perils at least. 
 
 *^ On, on, in the name of Allah!" whispered 
 Yar Mahomed earnestly, as he seized the bridle 
 of my companion's ass, bestowing at the same time 
 some hearty blows upon it. *' We are far too 
 late : God grant us well past the gates of the 
 town at this hour !" 
 
 * A string of beads like the Roman Catliolic rosary, and used in 
 the same way fot counting prayers.
 
 ADVENTURER. 137 
 
 A sharp trot down a narrow lane carried us 
 into a maze of small mean houses, stretching be- 
 hind the great bazar, the buz of which we heard 
 distinctly. After threading our way for some hun- 
 dred yards among these tenements, we reached a 
 mass of mud ruins, in which Yar Mahomed halted 
 and drew a long low whistle. In a few minutes 
 he was joined by another man ; and here, by his 
 desire, throwing off our Arab cloaks and turbans, 
 we arranged our women's apparel, and once more 
 resumed our way, Yar Mahomed leading my ass, 
 and the stranger that of my companion. '*■ What ! 
 still disguises?" said I, addressing Yar Maho- 
 med somewhat peevishly: ^' when is this part of 
 the play to cease ?" — ^' Silence, sir, for Godsake i 
 nothing but silence and confidence in your con- 
 ductors can save you or us now. I shall vidllingly 
 follow you, sir, at another time ; on this occasion 
 permit me to be the leader ; and depend upon my 
 competence for once." 
 
 They led us directly into the street of the bazar, 
 where, among thousands busied in their own af- 
 fairs, we picked our way, jostled and jostling, 
 until we reached the gate in which the street ter- 
 minated, and through which we were to gain the 
 country ; but the hour of closing it had already 
 passed, and we found it shut. This was a chance 
 which our conductors had not calculated upon ;
 
 138 THE PERSIAN 
 
 and it promised to prove a serious, if not a fatal 
 impediment, to persons who dreaded every mo- 
 ment to hear the hue and cry raised, and see their 
 pursuers at their heels. But Yar Mahomed did 
 not lose his presence of mind. 
 
 Leading our beasts directly into the arched 
 gateway, where the guards, who had quitted their 
 posts, were smoking their calleeoons together 
 upon an old mat, he ran his eye over them, and 
 observing one with whom he was acquainted, 
 he called him forth by name : — " Holla, Allee 
 Nuckee ! — come hither, comrade ; — what ! you have 
 locked up for the night ? we are too late, are 
 we?" — " Yes, sir," returned the man, recognising 
 Yar Mahomed with a slight salute ; " I fear you 
 are ; it is long past the hour, and the keys have 
 ^been sent to the naib in the kallah." — '* Well, 
 Fm sorry for that, because you must go and fetch 
 them for me ,• here's a friend of mine from the 
 country, who has lost his time in making pur- 
 chases in the bazar, but he must be home to- 
 night ; he has two of his family along with him, 
 and fearing that the gates might be closed, he 
 came all the way to the kallah for me to get him 
 passed through, in case he should be locked in ; 
 • — I won't have him disappointed." 
 
 " Well, but the naib never gives the keys to 
 any one. I may ask, and have my father burned.
 
 ADVENTURER. 139 
 
 ^or him ; and I don't choose to put my shoulders 
 in the way of the furoshes' clubs.'' — " My friend, 
 if you don't choose to be civil, I must try the 
 Mushedee gate, where I need only ask and have : 
 but its out of my friend's way ; and if I do, you 
 will please to remember that, after all, I am some- 
 body : you may chance to fall under my hand 
 one of these days ; and see if the clubs of the 
 khan's nassakchee or the naib's furosh will be the 
 heaviest : — what ! you won't, then ? Well, God 
 have you in remembrance ! no fear that I shall 
 forget you." 
 
 " What news is this ?" replied the man, evi- 
 dently affected by this last observation : — ^* why 
 are you so hasty now? stop, and I will see if the 
 keys are really gone to the kallah ; perhaps the 
 dehbashee has not sent them yet. But what time 
 of niorht is this to leave a safe-hold, and beo:in a 
 long march ? had not your friend better stay 
 where he is till morning ? The ways are any thing 
 but safe. Plenty of rude riders abroad, they say : 
 hardly a chance of he and his charge getting safe 
 to — ^what village did you say?" — " Oh ! to Mas- 
 soudabad, two fursungs hence." — " What ! any 
 relation to my worthy friend the ketkhodah ?" — 
 " Yes, a distant connection ; residing with him at 
 present." — '^ Then by all means let them stay 
 here ; don't let any harm come over them. I 
 will give them my own outagh (chamber) for the
 
 140 THE PERSIAN 
 
 night ; and in the morning — " — '* To-khodah ! I 
 tell thee, man, it won't do : so either the keys, or 
 Vm off to Hassan Beg, at the Mushedee gate." — 
 " Well, then, if it must be," grumbled he, as he 
 lazily rose and went to the dehbashee, who sat 
 with some chosen companions in an upper cham- 
 ber of the gateway. 
 
 This officer, somewhat out of humour at being- 
 disturbed at his evening meal, uttered a loud and 
 abusive refusal in reply to the expostulatory re- 
 presentations of the soldier ; but on hearing the 
 name of the khan's nassalcchee, he produced the 
 keys, which in truth had never been sent away. 
 
 The trembhng uneasiness with which we listened 
 to this protracted dialogue may be imagined, as 
 well as our eager impatience while the key turned 
 slowly in the wards, and the heavy gate swung 
 creaking on its hing^es, disclosing to our longing 
 eyes the dark cheerless plain beyond the v/alls. 
 ** So, if you will go, behold the path is open : but 
 are you sure that all is right?" inquired the man 
 of caution, as if struck with sudden suspicion. 
 *' I hope we shall get into no scrape by our civi- 
 lity." — " Bah ! nonsense ! whose dog should I be 
 to bring harm on the worthy naib or to you, 
 comrade ? — May God protect you ! — I shall not 
 forget your civility : perhaps, some day or other, 
 it may be to your advantage. — Here, Yussuff, 
 move on, I will see you safe to the first village."
 
 •ADVENTURER. 141 
 
 — *' May your shadow never diminish ! — may good 
 luck attend you ! — forget not your servant," said 
 AUee Nuckee ; and the gate closing heavily be- 
 hind us, shut us out from the city and its dangers.
 
 142 THE PEESIAN 
 
 CHAPTER VIL 
 
 THE FLIGHT. 
 
 " Now, gently for a few minutes," said Yar 
 Mahomed : '* over-haste may spoil all yet ; the 
 sentinels might suspect us. So, now, bismil- 
 lah ! faster," and striking the animal on which I 
 rode, while the other attendant did the same for 
 my companion, away we went rapidly for some 
 hundred yards ; till suddenly turning to the left, 
 we entered a hollow or ravine, the natural ob- 
 scurity of which was deepened by the darkness of 
 an almost starless night. Here our progress was 
 retarded by the roughness of the path ; but we 
 had not gone far when Yar Mahomed, desiring 
 us to stop, uttered a long-drawn wailing cry, like 
 the howl of a jackall. 
 
 In a few moments, this signal being repeated 
 from a little distance, we moved forwards, and 
 turning sharp to the right, found ourselves close 
 upon a party of six or seven well-armed men ;
 
 ADVENTURED. 143 
 
 some of whom were mounted, while others held 
 horses ready saddled for use ; all were rendered 
 dimly visible by the scanty light of a paper lan- 
 tern held by one of the group. " Holla I Yar 
 Mahomed, is it ?" exclaimed a voice from among 
 them. '* Ho ! comrade, what news ? Ye are late 
 to-^night. Missed the mark again V — " Mujdeh ! 
 good news !" returned Yar Mahomed : ^' the arrow 
 has hit the mark this time, thanks to the Pro- 
 phet ! the game has been snatched from the gripe 
 of the hawk."— "Yah Khodai ! is that truth?" 
 exclaimed the voice of my faithful Cossim, who 
 now rushed towards us; but seeing only Yar 
 Mahomed, the stranger, and two women, stopped 
 short, snatched the lantern, and held it up, as if 
 quite at fault. ^' In the name of God ! what news 
 IS diis?" demanded he, in tones of deep dis- 
 appointment. " What dirt have you eaten ? This 
 is not our mark." — " It is your mark, my good 
 Cossim !" exclaimed I, leaping from the ass, and 
 running up to him : *' it is no falsehood : the 
 game is here : — in truth, here is your master, 
 thanks to that good friend, safe and sound!" 
 — " Alhumdulillah ! thanks be to God !" cried the 
 old jeloodar, falling at my feet, and pressing my 
 hand with fervency to his wrinkled forehead and 
 grizzled beard ; — 'Hhis is a fortunate hour ! Your 
 lace is white indseed, oh, Yar Mahomed !" — 
 " Yes, yes, white let it be ; biit this is aot a time
 
 144 THE PERSIAN 
 
 nor a place to talk about it. If ye desire to 
 keep your heads upon your shoulders, we must 
 ride ten fursungs to-night. Blood has been shed, 
 and the kallah must soon be in an uproar." 
 
 *^How? blood? and wherefore?" demanded 
 another voice, in which I recognised another of 
 my former escort. " It was not to be avoided," 
 responded Yar Mahomed ; " but we have no time 
 for explanations. Let Ismael Khan quit his dis- 
 guise, and assume the dress and arms he soon 
 may require to wield. You see yourself, my 
 lord, surrounded by such of your fellows as have 
 escaped the jaws of that fox MouzufFer Khan, 
 whom God confound ! You are strong enough 
 with us to make way against petty attacks ; and 
 as for more serious ones, we must take our chance 
 of them. As for the devotion of every one here, 
 of that you have received abundant proof already ; 
 and you have more — far more to hear, when time 
 and opportunity shall serve. At present we must 
 only think of our safety ; we are too near that 
 nest of filth and treachery to linger another 
 moment." 
 
 '' But which is the road?" said I, *^and who is 
 our guide ? for I, you know, am^ perfect stranger." 
 — ** My lord, the road leading to Mushed is at 
 present beset, and impracticable for us. We must 
 hold along the roots of the mountains, and reach 
 Shereefabad by the least frequented passes. Here
 
 ADVENTURER, 145 
 
 is one who knows them all. The lady, for such 
 she is, who has risked every thing to save you, 
 must submit to the further hardships of the way ; 
 but all of us, Noor Mahomed in particular, will 
 watch over her safety." 
 
 I turned at this appeal to observe the person to 
 whom it was addressed ; and a strange, undefin- 
 able sensation pervaded my mind, as I saw the 
 man who joined us in the town ride up, and 
 attach himself closely to the female who had led 
 me from my prison. Perhaps it would not have 
 been easy to analyse the nature of this feehng, 
 which resembled that jealous fierceness with 
 which our perverse sex is ever apt to look upon 
 the slightest attention of another man to any 
 female in whom we take an interest. But I had 
 very little time to dwell upon or to examine into 
 this lurking and unworthy emotion ; for scarcely 
 had Yar Mahomed concluded his suggestions, 
 when a shot rung sharply from the city wall, still 
 not more than half a mile distant, and was suc- 
 ceeded by several others, as if sentinel after sentinel 
 had caught, and were spreading a signal. Then came 
 a sullen murmur, indistinct at first, but which rose 
 upon the ear until the buz of an alarmed throng 
 could plainly be distinguished. '^ Mount ! mount, 
 and away !" exclaimed I ; "our flight is known ; 
 the alarm is given." — " Where is Khodadad? — 
 
 VOL. I. G
 
 146 THE PERSIAN 
 
 Here, lead the way ; I shall follow you," uttered 
 Yar Mahomed in the same moment. '^ Let no man 
 spare his horse ; use your stirrups, in the Pro- 
 phet's name, as you value your lives !" 
 
 Away we rushed. I saw Noor Mahomed take 
 up his position on one side of my conductress, nor 
 eould I resist the impulse that prompted me to 
 occupy the same position on the other. The rest 
 followed close ; but as we left the ground the 
 swing of the opening gates could be distinguished^ 
 and the heavy tramp of horse mingling with the 
 noise of the multitude. The loose stones over 
 which we drove in our rapid career rattled and 
 flew in all directions, as we thundered along at 
 the risk of horse and rider ; but our horses were 
 stout and the riders bold. Old Cossim had con- 
 trived to carry my own two horses beyond the 
 Walls on the day preceding my arrest ; so I was 
 mounted upon my favourite charger, on whose 
 sureness of foot, and power of wind and limb, 
 I could place every confidence ; nor, however it 
 had been managed, did the rest of the party seem 
 much worse off. Our case required it all; for 
 scarcely had we ridden half a fursung when a 
 faint shout became audible in our rear : — '' The 
 miscreants ! they are on our traces. This cursed 
 clattering ! the dead themselves might hear us. 
 But a minute more, and we reach the bottom. 
 
 I
 
 ADVENTURER. 147 
 
 The noise will be less upon the moist clay, and we 
 may yet throw them out. Keep to the left : — to 
 the left !" 
 
 As the noise we made decreased with the 
 altered nature of our footing, the trampling of our 
 pursuers could be distinctly heard, floundering 
 over the stony ground we had just left ; but as we 
 galloped in our new direction the sounds sunk by 
 degrees ; and upon halting to listen, in about an 
 hour after, nothing whatever could be heard. 
 *' Barekillah !" said Yar Mahomed, " now if we 
 can but contrive to gain the hills, we need not fear 
 them ; for who shall tell by which pass we may 
 fly?— Hah! Khodadad!" — " Yes; but we must 
 smell our way, I think," returned he, ^* for this 
 night would puzzle the eyes of an owl or a bat, 
 much more those of a plain honest Musselman, 
 Allah be my help ! But, bismillah ! — forward ! 
 forward !" 
 
 Too anxious for many words, we continued our 
 way as rapidly as the difficulty of distinguishing it 
 would permit ; but it soon appeared that darkness 
 was not the only embarrassing obstacle with which 
 we were doomed to contend. The vapours 
 exhaled by the heat of the day were now fast 
 settling again over the earth in the shape of a fog ; 
 so dense, that had it then even been day-light we 
 should not have been able to distinguish an object 
 at three yards' distance from our horses' heads.
 
 148 THE PERSIAN 
 
 The instinct of our horses themselves was at fault ; 
 they snorted, reared, and backed ; and not with- 
 out cause ; for while we urged them onwards in 
 our utter blindness, they were sometimes brought 
 up suddenly, by deep hollows and ravines, which 
 they could not discern until upon the very point 
 of plunging into them. 
 
 The expediency of halting until the light of 
 morning should come to relieve us from this di- 
 lemma was more than once debated ; but, unwill- 
 ing to lose the chance of distancing our enemies, 
 we persevered for more than three hours in wan- 
 dering with equal perplexity and danger; till at 
 length the alarming irregularity of the ground, 
 and the utter impossibility of making any useful 
 progress, reduced us to a stand-still. 
 
 '^ The curse of Allee be on this infernal fog, 
 which is thicker than the darkness of hell itself!*' 
 muttered Khodadad, as he gave up the struggle in 
 utter despair ; ^Mt will be our ruin yet. In any 
 ordinary night we should have been safe among 
 the mountains long before now; but it would 
 puzzle the king's nujjoom-bashee himself to tell 
 which way we have been riding for these last 
 three hours." — "Hark!" exclaimed one, "what 
 noise is that ? It is the lowing of cattle, or the 
 holla of men. Hush ! listen !" And, in fact, low 
 distant sounds did reach our ears, deadened by 
 the dampness of the air. " Oh, for one gleam
 
 ADVENTURER. 149 
 
 of light!" exclaimed Yar Mahomed. " Oh, for 
 the glimpse of a single star ! But what star could 
 pierce that thick cloud of vapour?" — '^ Stars !" 
 repeated one of the men who sat gazing around 
 him in the general perplexity ; " what then are 
 these ? Are they not stars ?"— " Where ? what ?" 
 demanded I. " Yonder. Look to the left — just 
 over that horseman's shoulder." I turned, and 
 straining my eyes in the direction of his arm, 
 discovered indeed the twinkling of lights, which 
 resembled stars dimmed and reddened by the 
 misty atmosphere. The quick eye of our guide 
 caught them at the same instant. " In the name 
 of Allah, what have we here ? These are no 
 stars, their light is too steady. By the head* of 
 the Prophet, they are the hghts of a village !" — ^' A 
 village !" echoed another of the party, ^' By the 
 soul of my father, he is right ! See ! it is on the 
 mountains too. Look at yon great black hill 
 rising above the cloud." And, in fact, as he spoke, 
 the mist partially opening in the quarter to which 
 our looks were directed, disclosed a tall mass, 
 which reared itself in mysterious darkness against 
 the dim sky, and which was magnified by the 
 filmy haze into the semblance of a huge mountain. 
 The effect was peculiarly imposing ; and as the 
 shadowy object stood insulated, both below and 
 above, by the surrounding vapour, and studded 
 with points of fight, it might easily have been
 
 150 THE PERSIAN 
 
 taken for the abode of some powerful Gin or 
 Deeve, removed by magic power from all approach 
 of mankind. 
 
 But Khodadad was not to be so deceived. 
 '^ No, no," cried he, " it is no mountain. I 
 know it. now. See you not the jagged outline of 
 its summit ? and look ! — merciful Allah ! — how 
 fearfully close we have got ! You can see yon 
 broken arch, a building of the days of old, which 
 rises above the walls. It is the old kallah of 
 Darameen Tuppeh, the residence and strong- 
 hold of Baukher Allee Khan. Heaven send us 
 clear of that den ! If that old fox were once to 
 scent us, it might prove as bad a scrape as the 
 one we have just escaped from." — " Well," ob- 
 served I, " but you know where you are now, 
 do you not?" — "Yes, yes; God be praised! I 
 know where we are ; no great distance from the 
 hills now. Let us be off, sir, while we may, in 
 silence. — Straight-forward, comrades !" 
 
 We speedily got into motion ; but whether it 
 was our tongues or our horses that had betrayed 
 us, a challenge from the fort swept along the 
 plain ; proving by the clearness of its sound how 
 dangerously near we had approached to the foot 
 of the earthen hillock on which it was built ; and 
 before we could greatly increase our distance, 
 the sharp report of a wall-piece, followed by the 
 hissing of its ball over our heads, made it eq[uaUy
 
 ADVENTURER* 151 
 
 iclear that the garrison had rightly guessed our 
 position. We did not tarry for a repetition of 
 the salute, and before a second shot could be 
 fired were far enough distant to laugh at their 
 attempts. 
 
 Our guide having now regained his proper 
 course, pursued it with confidence ; and our pro- 
 gress soon became more rapid and easy, over a 
 level plain, which presented but few obstacles to 
 interrupt us. The vapours, which during the 
 night had floated over the whole face of the 
 country, drew off from the dry plains as morning 
 approached, and settled like a sea upon the dis- 
 tant sahrah,* or clung around the skirts of the 
 mountains, leaving their summits clear and sharply 
 defined against the deep grey sky. 
 
 By the dawn of day we had entered among a 
 maze of those earthy hillocks which so often swarm 
 around the foot of the mountains ; and preparatory 
 to halting for morning prayers, and for refresh- 
 ment, in a spot which promised no interruption, 
 Yar Mahomed had urged his horse to the summit 
 of one of those hillocks to cast a precautionary 
 glance around, when all at once the clattering of 
 many hoofs was heard. A loud halloo succeeded, 
 and six or eight horsemen appeared galloping 
 
 * Sahrah or beabaun are applied to desert and uninhabited 
 tracts ; but often also the word means simply a large plain.
 
 152 THE PERSIAN 
 
 towards us, along a little hollow which woun<i 
 among the irregularities of the ground. 
 
 Fortunately for us, a deep rocky chasm which 
 crossed their track had the effect of checking their 
 impetuosity, and giving us time to prepare for re-^ 
 ceiving them: — *^ To the left ! — to the height on the 
 left, my fiiends f" shouted I ; and seizing at once 
 the bridle of my conductress' horse, and goring 
 my own with the stirrups, I gained in a moment 
 the summit of the nearest hillock. As good 
 luck would have it, it was likewise among the 
 highest of those around, and its surface was 
 furrowed into hollows and fissures well calculated 
 to afford shelter from the fire of an enemy. Be- 
 fore our whole party had joined upon this spot 
 the horsemen, finding that they had failed in sur- 
 prising us, and not caring to entangle themselves 
 in the fravine, had unslung their matchlocks, and 
 commenced their fire. The balls of their first 
 discharge whistled among us : one of them grazed 
 my arm, and another wounded one of our horses ; 
 but ere they could repeat it we, on our part, 
 sprang'^from our horses, and covering them as we 
 best might, in the hollows before spoken of, were 
 prepared to return their salute with interest. 
 
 For my own share, assisting Noor Mahomed in 
 
 e stowing his female charge in a spot where she 
 
 might be in tolerable security, I prepared t<^
 
 ADVENTURER. 153 
 
 defend the position we had taken up to the last 
 extremity, and to sell, if so it was to be, my 
 blood as dear as possible. 
 
 The advantage was now all on our side : the 
 persons of our assailants were exposed, while 
 ours remained in a great degree covered from 
 their view. The consequence was, that three of 
 their number were speedily disabled ; while the 
 rest, convinced as it seemed of the inequality of 
 the contest, began to look about them as if medi- 
 tating to decamp. 
 
 But their real object soon became apparent. 
 Eager to repel the only enemies we could see, 
 our attention was entirely diverted from other 
 quarters, and it was not until they were within m 
 few yards of our position that we were startled by 
 the somewhat premature shout of ten or twelve 
 fresh horsemen bursting in upon our rear. 
 
 All now seemed lost. It was a fearful moment. 
 But my comrades were no cowards, and the strug- 
 gle was now for life or death. '* Servants of 
 Nadir, remember your name, and your duty/' 
 shouted I, discharging at the same time my 
 matchlock at the foremost with unerrino; aim. The 
 rider sprung upwards from his steed, and fell be- 
 neath its feet as it still bounded on. The quick 
 successive reports of four or five other matchlocks, 
 which, from the closeness of the approaching mass, 
 threw their shot with fatal effect, gave an instant
 
 154 THE PERSIAN 
 
 check to our new assailants ; nor did we fail to 
 take advantage of their indecision. Yar Maho- 
 med and myself rushed forward, drawing our 
 swords ; and before our foes could recover them- 
 selves, three of their horses were brought to the 
 ground, hamstrung, bruising and disabling their 
 riders in their fall. 
 
 We strove to pursue our success, by ridding our- 
 selves of these dismounted enemies ; but here our 
 fortune failed us. I saw Yar Mahomed struck down 
 by a horse ; but not before the rider had received 
 from his sword a ghastly and disabling wound in the 
 thigh ; and quitting the object of my own pursuit, 
 I was hurrying to his assistance, when the swift 
 rush of a charger, accompanied by a stunning 
 blow on the head, stopped my career, as I beheved 
 at the moment, fatally. My senses reeled ; the 
 vision of a fierce countenance, and the gleam of a 
 dagger descending on my breast, floated dimly 
 before me, when a piercing shriek rung in my ear. 
 A slight shadowy arm darted across my half 
 closed eyes, and the hostile form rolled, a ponder- 
 ous and lifeless mass, upon my prostrate and now 
 senseless body. 
 
 Some minutes passed before I recovered my 
 senses. All was still around me ; the noise of the 
 shouting and the firing, the clashing of swords, 
 the neighing of horses, and the imprecations of 
 their riders, had ceased. The first object which
 
 ADVENTURER. 155 
 
 saluted my opening eyes was the form of a fe- 
 male, on whose lap my head was supported, and 
 who bent over me with an expression of earnest ten- 
 derness, which the disorder of her dress permitted 
 me to remark in her beautiful features. It was 
 my conductress; my deliverer of the preceding 
 night. The stranger, Noor Mahomed, who had 
 just bound up my wound with a fragment of his 
 own turban, stood gazing upon us with painful 
 interest. 
 
 A sick dizziness oppressed my brain : my re- 
 collection was altogether confused, and the first 
 efforts of speech produced only some incoherent 
 attempts at inquiry, where I was, and what had 
 happened. But the sound of my voice, and ihe 
 glance of my opening eyes, had an instantaneous 
 and powerful effect upon the female. She started ; 
 the anxious contraction of her brow disappeared ; 
 her own eye shot forth a beam of joy, as she ex- 
 claimed with sudden energy : — " He lives, then ! 
 — Oh, God ! thou art all merciful ! I thank thee, 
 Allah !" In the next moment ]N"oor Mahomed was 
 kneeling beside me ; and others gathered round 
 to listen to her words. But I only heard the 
 sweet gentle voice of her whose hand was still 
 pressed upon my bleeding head, and whose tones 
 thrilled to my very heart. 
 
 " And who then are you, kind and benevolent 
 creature, that watches like an angel over Ismael, to
 
 156 THE PERSIAN 
 
 save him, and to do him good?^^ uttered I slowly^ 
 and gazing upwards at her, after a pause of some 
 moments. The disordered veil had been already re- 
 placed, so as to hide her countenance ; but it could 
 not conceal the agitation w^hich almost convulsed 
 her. Her tears rained thick and fast upon my face 
 as she bent over me ; heavy and frequent sobs 
 shook her whole frame ; and she trembled violently 
 in every limb. It was long before she was able to 
 utter a word ; and I remained silent and motion- 
 less, like one in a dream ; half doubting whether 
 what I saw was real ; half dreading the import of 
 her expected reply. '* Merciful Allah !" she ex- 
 claimed at length in broken words, ^^ what a 
 time, what a place is this for such a disclosure ! 
 but it must be — Tsmael, dearest Ismael !" con- 
 tinued she, breathless with emotion. '^ How will 
 you credit it ? what will you say ? Yet, oh God ! 
 could I have done it for any but a brother? 
 — Ismael ! will you not acknowledge and receive 
 your sister Hoosseinee V 
 
 Wavering and unsettled, my awakening senses 
 scarcely comprehended what she said. The sacred 
 and endearing name of sister pronounced by her 
 was all that caught my ear. Instinctively, I sprang 
 from her knees, upon which till then my aching 
 head reposed, and met her outstretched arms as 
 she leaned towards me, in overwhelming emotion. 
 Our embrace was earnest and mutual ; but the
 
 ADVENTURER. 157 
 
 effort was more than my wounded frame could 
 endure ; and in a moment after my head reeled, 
 and I fell once more insensible upon my sister's 
 lap. 
 
 I will not dwell upon the mingled astonishment 
 and delight which succeeded my second revival to 
 consciousness, and the eager inquiries to which 
 the surprising communication I had received could 
 not avoid giving rise. But my sister gently re- 
 minded me neither time nor place admitted of 
 her giving me satisfactory replies ; and contented 
 herself with assuring me that all she had said was 
 truth, and should be fully explained at a fitting 
 season : in the mean time, she besought me to re- 
 collect myself, and prepare, if possible, to resume 
 the journey; "for," added she, *^ neither safety 
 nor convenience will admit of a longer stay in this 
 place ; and I see that the party are already pre- 
 paring for our departure." 
 
 Her words recalled me to a recollection of my 
 duty, and I raised my head once more to look 
 around me. No one was near us, except the stran- 
 ger, Noor Mahomed, who still stood a few paces 
 off, regarding us earnestly. Forgetting at this 
 sight his attention to myself, I shame to say that 
 the jealous emotion with which this young man 
 had already inspired me revived, as I recollected 
 his impertinent continuance beside us, during a 
 scene which should have been sacred against all
 
 158 THE PERSIAN 
 
 intrusion. All others of the party I observed had, 
 in decency as it seemed, retired. 
 
 The frown which gathered on my brow, as my 
 eye fell upon his person, slight though it was, did 
 not escape the quick apprehension of my sister. 
 *^ Ah, Ismael ! my brother ! look not so upon him," 
 said she, with an anxious energy, which rose above 
 the impulse of maidenly confusion ; " be candid 
 and generous to one who is brave and noble like 
 yourself; without whose zeal and perseverance 
 neither you nor I had ever seen this hour. Dearest 
 brother, receive in Noor Mahomed the preserver 
 of your sister, — her faithful lover, — her betrothed 
 husband. Oh, God ! this heart was yielded to him 
 when there was no friend to help, no human 
 being to care for the miserable Housseinee ; when 
 she dreamed not that in the wide world there ex- 
 isted a living thing that had the slightest claim 
 upon her affection or her duty ! — Do not — do 
 not cloud the dawn of our happier prospects by 
 coldly looking upon one who has already risked 
 his life to save you, and would give his blood for 
 yours!" 
 
 " Disclosures came thick upon me : here was 
 another for which I was totally unprepared, and 
 which might not have been altogether grateful; 
 but there was an earnest and affecting tenderness 
 in the appeal of my sister which was irresistible : 
 it roused the better feelings of my nature, and
 
 ADVENTURER, 159 
 
 sKowed me the hateful ungracious part which I 
 might have been led to take, in its true light. 
 Turning at once tow^ards the young man, and em- 
 bracing him with warmth, I thanked him for the 
 zeal he had exerted in my own and her behalf, 
 and assured him of my hope and conviction that he 
 would prove himself worthy of the heart he had 
 gained. 
 
 "And are ye then all safe?" inquired I, with 
 renewed anxiety, as the agitation of these unex- 
 pected events a little subsided : — " where is Yar 
 Mahomed ? — surely I remember — ." — " Be satis- 
 fied, sir," replied Noor Mahomed, " we are well 
 off; so is Yar Mahomed ; but he has had a narrow 
 escape." — "And Cossim? I see him not: — be 
 was not wont to be last in attending his master in 
 the hour of pain," continued I, as past days and 
 former services arose in my remembrance. They 
 were silent. " Why speak ye not ? — what has hap- 
 pened ?" urged I, looking round upon them. " It 
 cannot be concealed," rephed Noor Mahomed at 
 last : — " we have cause, sir, to be thankful ; for 
 we have escaped a great danger, although not 
 without paying for our safety. It will distress you ; 
 but it cannot be avoided : — your old servant is se- 
 verely hurt." — " Cossim hurt ? — is he dead ?" — 
 "No, he lives; but — " — "Lead me to him; I 
 must see my faithful old servant. May God avert
 
 160 THE PERSIAN 
 
 misfortune ! but rather would I have lost a limb 
 than he should come to harm." 
 
 They strove to prevent me ; but, dizzy though I 
 still was from the stunning blow, I rose to my feet, 
 and looked around. The tokens of our short but 
 fierce strife were thick before me. On the slope 
 of the hillock, close to where I had fallen, lay 
 seven or eight men, and as many horses ; some 
 motionless and dead, others still struggling and 
 writhing with the agony of their wounds, or ut- 
 tering now and then a painful groan. These were 
 the foes vnth whom we had contended. Still 
 nearer, and on the lip of the declivity, lay one or 
 two of my own people, like the others, lifeless 
 and at rest. Those who survived were occupied 
 in securing the horses of the party, or attending 
 to their less fortunate companions. My eye, how- 
 ever, instantly singled out one group of two or 
 three men who surrounded a prostrate and bloody 
 figure : among them I recognised Yar Mahomed, 
 pale and wounded, like myself, bending over the 
 dying man. I tottered forward : — it was in truth 
 my faithful Cossim. The blood welled fast from a 
 gaping wound between the shoulder and the neck, 
 which those about him endeavoured in vain to 
 stanch and bind up : the chill damp of death 
 already stood upon his brow; and his ghastly 
 sunken features betrayed that life had nearly
 
 ADVENTURER. 161 
 
 ebbed away with the dark red tide that drenched 
 the ground beneath him. 
 
 " My poor Cossim ! is it thus I find you V said 
 I, deeply affected, as the conviction of his hope- 
 less condition forced itself upon me ; ^' a dear ran- 
 som have you paid for your master." The eyes of 
 the dying man lighted up for a moment, as my 
 voice struck upon his ear. *' That is my master, 
 is it not?" uttered he faintly, and endeavouring at 
 the same time -to turn towards the sound, while 
 the blood flowed still faster with the exertion: — 
 *' Let me see him, let me feel his hand : — blessed 
 be God you are safe ! though your slave will not 
 live to see it : but he has lived to see two of his 
 noble master's race alive, — escaped the destroying^ 
 swords, — and is not that enough ? And is she not 
 a worthy branch of the race of Keerkloo ? — what 
 town-bred maiden could have struck that blow ? — 
 how the ruffian withered under her arm! — was 
 not old Cossim's blood well spent in saving hers ? 
 — Ay ! it will make smooth his path to Para- 
 dise ; and he will meet her father there, and tell 
 him of his noble daughter. — But see ! — see that 
 ruffian ! — he will seize her ! — Save her ! — will none 
 of you rush forward ? — and I — I have no strength 
 left." 
 
 His eyes grew fixed : I could not bear their 
 glassy sightless glare. My own hands closed the 
 lids ; we turned the feet to Mecca; and the angel
 
 162 THE PERSIAN 
 
 of death received the soul. Surely it went to claim 
 the reward of a good and faithful servant in the 
 joys of Paradise. 
 
 For some moments we hung in painful silence 
 over the corse ; but the interests of the living 
 pressed upon us. *^ We cannot remain any longer 
 here/' observed Yar Mahomed. ^' You, sir, and 
 I, and those who, like us, are wounded, will soon 
 get stiiF, and unable to move ; and if we would 
 avoid more of this work, when we shall be less 
 able to bear it, we must make the best of our way 
 from this place, before the other parties, who are 
 in pursuit of us, can be collected by the run- 
 aways. These poor fellows must lie in this ra- 
 vine ; a few stones, and a little earth may protect 
 them from the beasts of prey, which will have a 
 good feast upon those miscreants there. Come, 
 comrades, make ready the horses. Khodadad 
 knows of a place where there is no fear of our 
 being sought, far less found; we must remain 
 there until we are fitter to travel. Come, bis- 
 millah ! to work, and to horse !" 
 
 Our dead were accordingly quickly disposed of 
 in one of the narrow clefts on the hillock. I 
 shuddered as the earth and stones fell upon the 
 body of my faithful old servant ; but the survivors 
 claimed my care ; and once more setting my sister 
 on her horse, while her lover rode by her side, 
 our diminished party descended the fatal hillock,
 
 ADVENTURER. 163 
 
 and made off with all the speed in our power 
 towards the hills on our right, under the guidance 
 of Khodadad. 
 
 '^ But what might be the meaning of poor Cos- 
 sim's last words ?" said I to Yar Mahomed, when, 
 after more than an hour's hard riding, we reined 
 up for a little to give our horses breathing time 
 and were talking over the events of the late fray : 
 " Tell me what took place after I was struck down, 
 and how the poor fellow received his death-blow." 
 — " To speak the truth, sir," replied Yar Maho- 
 med, *' I saw not much more than you did ; for 
 my own condition was little better than yours. I 
 saw you rush towards me, and receive the blow 
 that stunned you ; and I believed that all was over- 
 with you. At that moment your old servant, who 
 had likewise observed my danger, came to my 
 relief, and with one blow of his scimitar divided 
 the head of my opponent, just as I expected the 
 like office from him. It was at the same instant 
 too that a female shriek alarmed both Cossim and 
 myself. Your noble sister, too anxious for the 
 event of the combat to remain in her concealment, 
 had quitted it at the moment when your bold but 
 rash charge towards the enemy had placed you in 
 so critical a situation. She saw you borne down ; 
 saw one of the dismounted horsemen, dagger in 
 hand, making towards you, and heedless of every 
 thing but your danger, she rushed forwards, draw-
 
 164 THE PERSIAN 
 
 ing a khunjar from her girdle, and uttering the 
 shriek which startled us ; it even made the ruffian 
 pause for a moment — in the next her dagger was 
 in his heart ! 
 
 *' Still only intent upon your safety, she was 
 vainly striving to relieve you from the body of her 
 victim, which had fallen across yours, and saw not 
 that another ruffian was advancing to complete the 
 work his fellow had left undone : it was then that 
 old Cossim, attracted by her cry, saw at a glance 
 the danger that threatened your sister, and quick 
 as lightning interposed his own person between. 
 her and the powerful arm that was in the act of 
 seizing her ; but already breathed and exhausted 
 by his exertions, he was no match for his oppo- 
 nent; the first blow beat down his sword — the 
 second buried the scimitar deep in the old man's 
 neck. 
 
 ^* Just as Cossim fell, Noor Mahomed, who 
 had likewise caught a glimpse of your sister's 
 figure, and heard her shriek, having freed himself 
 from his own antagonists, ran, full of alarm, to- 
 wards her; he saw poor Cossim's fate, and in 
 another instant his sword fell unobserved and un- 
 resisted upon the murderer's neck. This was the 
 last blow struck. The surviving assailants, re- 
 duced to a third of their original number, turned 
 tail, and dashed right down the slope of the hil- 
 lock, now covered with their dead or wounded
 
 ADVENTURER. 165 
 
 companions. The party who first attacked us 
 had withdrawn to join their comrades, so that the 
 field remained clear. Noor Mahomed and your 
 sister then addressed themselves to assist you ; 
 while I, grievously distressed at the fate of poor 
 Cossim, sought to render him such aid as might 
 be in my power. It was in this situation you 
 found us ; and I thank God we have not your loss 
 to deplore."
 
 166 THE PERSIAN 
 
 CHAPTER VIIL 
 
 THE CAVE OF REFUGE. 
 
 For three tedious hours we continued to urge 
 our horses in a westerly direction, over the diffi- 
 cult rugged country that skirted the more elevated 
 mountains, until we gradually found ourselves in- 
 volved among the huge shoulders which they flung 
 down towards the plain. At length, turning up 
 the bed of a torrent, which had burst its way 
 through one of the more confined and abrupt 
 glens that furrowed their sides, our guide relieved 
 us all by announcing that we now were approach- 
 ing the place of our intended concealment. 
 
 No trace of human being or human habitation 
 had we seen since the time we left the scene of 
 our skirmish ; and it was fortunate for us that no 
 new enemy appeared to molest us ; for those who 
 had been wounded, myself among the number, 
 had become stiff and faint from loss of blood, 
 and were in no condition to sustain fresh conflicts.
 
 ADVENTURER. 167 
 
 The aspect of the region to which we were ap- 
 proaching was, however, httle calculated to com- 
 fort us, or to give us hopes of obtaining those 
 refreshments and consolations which our situation 
 required. Rocks, scarred and bare, heaped in the 
 original confusion in which they were shitered 
 from the cHffs above them, almost barred up the 
 entrance of the glen, and it was with difficulty 
 that our horses scrambled over the loose frag- 
 ments which filled the intervals among the larger 
 masses. 
 
 " A dismal desert this for poor wounded wretches 
 to seek a home in,'' I could not help observing 
 to Yar Mahomed, as we struggled along the path- 
 less route, every bound and exertion of our pant-- 
 ing horses giving a fresh pang to our stiffened 
 hurts. '^ And what are we and our horses to do 
 for food in this unblessed spot?" — " Bad enough 
 it is, I confess, my lord," replied he ; *' but not 
 quite so bad as a black dungeon and chains, with 
 a poisoned pillaw or a bow-string for our fare. 
 But what say you, Khodadad ? — do you mean to 
 starve us outright here ? or have you better things 
 to promise us, comrade?" 
 
 " Rest contented, sir," replied the guide ; " un- 
 less the stars are altogether against us, you shall 
 want neither food nor comfort where I shall have 
 the honour of lodging you. — They say that the 
 gardens of Iraud may be found in the wilderness
 
 168 THE PERSIAN 
 
 by those who know to seek them rightly ; — upon 
 my head be it, if the gardens of security are not 
 found among these rocks ! — and to us you will 
 allow, sir, a dry morsel here, with security, is 
 better than a feast in the house of the khan, with 
 the nassakchee's sword over our heads." — ^' Right, 
 my good fellow," replied I ; ^' but let us hope 
 these same gardens are not far off; for I do not 
 think my head can stand this burning sun, or this 
 rough path much longer." — *' On my eyes be it !" 
 said he ; ^* we have not far to go." Nevertheless 
 we still continued clambering over the same rug- 
 ged fragments, while the cliffs closed yet darker 
 and darker above us, until they almost met over 
 head. 
 
 By this time my sister's strength was almost 
 exhausted, and my own temples throbbed ,• whilst 
 the seething blood oozed out from my wounds so 
 fast, that I scarce could keep from fainting. " I 
 must rest here — I must stop for a few minutes," 
 said I, *' whatever happens. I must halt, to 
 recover a little. — Oh, for a drop of water ! for I 
 am perishing with thirst." — " Oh ! do not speak 
 of water," echoed Yar Mahomed, '^ my eyes are 
 burning in their sockets, and my tongue can 
 scarcely move within my jaws : — thirst will kill 
 me." — ^* In the name of God !" exclaimed Khoda- 
 dad earnestly, *^ exert yourselves but a few mi- 
 nutes longer; — let us but pass this gorge, and
 
 ADVEl^TURER. 169 
 
 ^we are safe ; — until then, danger may be at our 
 heels : — water, too, water awaits you : one effort 
 more, and both thirst and fatigue shall be pro- 
 vided for." 
 
 I think it was the promise of the blessed ele- 
 ment that inspired us afresh, and gave us power 
 to scramble up the almost impassable track, by 
 which we crossed this fearful gorge. Dismount- 
 ing from our horses, — for to sit them was impossi- 
 ble, — two of the people half led, half dragged me, 
 x)ver the steep ridges that shut out the lower from 
 the upper part of the glen : — but my senses reeled 
 in the effort, and I swooned outright as I reached 
 the other side. But, what a changed scene did 
 my eyes unclose upon, when I recovered from this, 
 fit of weakness ! Above the barrier we had passed, 
 the ravine opened out into a basin of small 
 extent, affording some excellent pasture on the^ 
 banks of a stream, which ran through the centre, 
 far below us. Lofty, and as it seemed, impassable 
 precipices inclosed this basin, on the side of 
 which were scattered a number of trees, — stunted, 
 indeed, but still adding beauty to the singular 
 scene in which they grew. The contrast between 
 the spot we had reached, and the region we had 
 quitted, was like that of Ginnestan to the deserts 
 ofKaf. 
 
 '^ Behold, sir," said Khodadad, addressing me, 
 when L had somewhat recovered — '^ behold a 
 
 VOL. I. H
 
 170 THE PERSIAN 
 
 region scarce known even to the nearest inhabit- 
 ants of these mountains ; for the peaks and ridges 
 which surround us have a name which keeps 
 most men at a distance. But it might be ha- 
 zardous to remain openly even here :— follow your 
 servant but a little further, to a shelter formed 
 by the hand of Allah himself, when the founda- 
 tions of the earth were laid." 
 
 How the horses were to be disposed of was a 
 question which suggested itself with the first 
 return of recollection ; but there are few situations 
 into which that noble animal cannot follow, if not 
 bear its master. Before my senses were com- 
 pletely restored, the greater number of our trusty 
 steeds were already around us, panting and shak- 
 ing the dust from their sides after their severe 
 exertion. 
 
 Still maintaining our elevation above the little 
 basin, we slanted up along the slope of the hill, 
 towards the foot of the precipice, which rose like a 
 wall above us. About a hundred feet from thence 
 we found the ruins of a small building, with niches 
 and recesses, in the fashion of a mosque ; — a few 
 fragments of painted tiles showed that in times 
 of old it had boasted of some ornaments ; but all 
 other traces of its original design had vanished. 
 
 " This is a holy place," said Khodadad, re- 
 peating the culmeh, and several other pious ejacu- 
 lations; — ''in this very spot is the foot-print of
 
 ADVENTURER. 171 
 
 the sacred and celebrated Duldul — ^the mule of 
 the holy AUee, (blessed be his name !) which 
 upon a certain occasion, when its sainted master 
 had left the noble animal here, while he retired 
 into the wilderness to pray, bounded to him at his 
 call ; and while its fore feet lit upon the opposite 
 side of yonder ridge, the hind hoofs left their im- 
 pression here where it stood : — you cannot see 
 them, indeed, for the ruins have covered them ; 
 but your servant has seen them : — it is now many 
 years, since an old fakeer, who dwelt among these 
 mountains, and who is now gone to Paradise, 
 showed me the sacred prints. They were not indeed 
 very plain even then ; or perhaps my virtue was not 
 great enough to enable me to distinguish thefh 
 clearly : — yet he, that sainted man, could point 
 out the impression of every nail-head of the au- 
 gust shoes ! — But the holy man ! — the Prophet's 
 blessing be upon him ! imparted to me a secret, 
 which, God forgive me ! is more to the purpose 
 at present : let us go, and take the benefit of it." 
 
 With these words he led the way upwards 
 once more ; and at length we found ourselves at 
 the foot of the rocks. Advancing a few yards 
 along their base, we came to a heap of fragments, 
 fallen as it seemed from above ; and, clambering 
 among them, Khodadad soon pointed out a small 
 opening between two large stones, so trifling in 
 appearance, that it never would have attracted ob-
 
 172 THE PERSIAN 
 
 servation ; and screened still more by its position 
 behind a projecting buttress of rock. Assisted by 
 one or two others of the people, he removed a 
 number of the fragments, and at length discovered 
 a deep low-browed cavern, into which he led the 
 way, desiring us to follow with caution. After a 
 few paces of rapid descent, we found firm and 
 level footing ; and advancing still further inwards^, 
 we were surprised at finding an increase of light 
 streaming in from a fissure in the rock^ many feet 
 above our heads, 
 
 '^This cavern," said Khodadad, "is of immense 
 extent, and has many branches ; but we need 
 not perplex ourselves with its dimensions. Let us 
 occupy this spacious natural hall, which has a 
 floor of soft dry sand. Pray, sir, lay yourself 
 dowii, and cause the lady to do the same, until 
 the rest of the party and our horses are safely 
 stowed^ and then we shall endeavour to attend to 
 your comforts." Happy to enjoy rest from actual 
 labour, I threw myself upon the cool dry sand, 
 and drank in the refreshing air of the cavern^ 
 which after the burning heat of the sun, reflected 
 from the brown rocks, was inexpressibly grateful. 
 My poor sister, not less exhausted, though patient 
 and unrepining under the unusual fatigue, lay 
 down beside me ; and Yar Mahomed, with the 
 other wounded men, sought relief as they best 
 could find it, while our unhurt comrades, en-
 
 ADVENTURER. 173 
 
 largitig the aperture sufficiently to admit the 
 horses, dragged the unwiUing beasts into the 
 cavern along with themselves. 
 
 " And now, my lord," said Khodadad, " your 
 servant will perform the rest of his promise, and 
 have the pleasure of supplying you with a beverage 
 you scarce would look for in a place like this. 
 Where is the aftaubeh ? * and bring one of the 
 horse-ropes and halters." With these our guide 
 proceeded forwards into the cavern, until we en- 
 tirely lost sight of him ; but after a few moments 
 he re-appeared, bearing the aftaubeh, dripping 
 with wet, and full of clear sparkling water. Oh ! 
 how delicious was the pure cool liquid to my 
 parched lips ! How deep did I drink to allay the 
 fever burning in my veins ! We all in turn en- 
 joyed the blessing ; and the horses by this time 
 having been stript of their harness, their numuds 
 with our cloaks were spread in a recess upon a 
 heap of dry sand, for my sister and myself, who 
 thus refreshed, and at our ease, began to taste the 
 sweets of comparative comfort, as we hoped, in 
 perfect security. 
 
 A short time served to complete the arrange- 
 ments of the rest of the party ; and the horses, 
 under the superintendence of Khodadad, were 
 served with water, and secured as well as cir- 
 cumstances would admit of, in another part of 
 
 * Ewer or water-vessel of brass or pewter.
 
 174 THE PERSIAN 
 
 this Spacious cave, where, with their tobras at their 
 heads, suppUed with a httle of the grain which 
 every man carried at his saddle-bow, they were 
 at least as well off as their masters. After all was 
 thus ordered, our trusty guide, together with 
 Yar Mahomed, at my desire, took up their po- 
 sition close to my own carpet. 
 
 " This, in truth, is a choice and comfortable 
 retreat for poor hunted fugitives," observed I to 
 Khodadad ; ^' but as to its security, how are we 
 to be certain of that ? and then how do you propose 
 to subsist us ? What is to save us from dying of 
 hunger ? As for thirst, I confess you have satis- 
 factorily proved we run no danger from that.'' — 
 *' Oh ! be satisfied, sir," replied he : " with regard 
 to the first point, rest assured that few now live 
 who possess the secret of this cavern ; and you 
 will admit that it is not likely to be discovered by 
 those who are ignorant of its existence. Besides, 
 there is no chance that any one should approach 
 even within sight of the valley itself, far less that 
 he should enter its boundaries. You are now 
 somewhat more at ease, sir, and while the people 
 examine their joals for such scanty fare as they 
 may contain, it may amuse you to hear how I 
 became acquainted with a spot which is so little 
 known to the rest of the world. 
 
 *' Circumstances, which I need not relate at 
 present, made me acquainted with the well-known
 
 ADVENTURER. 175 
 
 dervish Fakeer-u-deen Allee, who for many years 
 frequented the shrine of Imaumzadeh Noor-u-deen 
 Allee ; but whose principal haunt for many years 
 before his death was among these mountains. 
 Here he lived, and would wander for weeks 
 together unseen of human eye. The nature of my 
 acquaintance with this holy personage was such 
 as to give me no small claim to his favour ; and on 
 many occasions of difficulty or danger I availed 
 myself of this privilege to solicit his advice or 
 protection. 
 
 ^^ It is now more than fifteen years since the hot 
 pursuit of certain persons, with whom I had a 
 blood feud, forced me to fly from the neighbour- 
 hood of Toorbut, to a village not many fursungs 
 from hence. I remained there, however, only a 
 few days, when my situation becoming desperate 
 from the eagerness of my enemies, I resolved to 
 claim the protection of my friend Fakeer-u-deen, 
 who, as the people informed me, was to be found 
 in some part of this range of mountains. 
 
 " The search was a vague and desperate one ; 
 but it was better to attempt it than to risk being 
 seized, and having my throat cut in the villages : 
 so I set out in low enough spirits, and soon got 
 entangled among the bare ridges and wild ravines 
 which surround us now. 
 
 *' I shall never forget the extraordinary and 
 almost fearful meeting which I had on this occa-"
 
 176 THE PERSIAN 
 
 sion with my friend the dervish. The evening 
 was fast creeping on ; and the clouds which had 
 lowered for some time before, having discharged 
 themselves in a heavy shower, were drawing up 
 like a curtain in the western quarter of the sky, 
 permitting the setting sun to break through a 
 crimson and fiery mass of curdling vapours ; when 
 upon the summit of a rock, which threw its dark form 
 against this glorious back-ground, stood the figure 
 of the dervish, strongly relieved against the flood 
 of glowing light. He seemed like the genius who 
 had raised the storm, and was now exerting his 
 power to bid it cease. He stood motionless until 
 I reached and accosted him. ' Friend,' said he 
 in reply, ' you are welcome ; I know your 
 necessity ; / acknowledge your right to my pro- 
 tection; and you shall acknowledge that Fa- 
 keer-u-deen amply redeems his pledge. Follow 
 me!' 
 
 *' Striding along with the alertness of youth, 
 and the resolved step of mature years, the aged 
 man, for his beard was now white with the snows 
 of many winters, moved rapidly over the rough 
 surface and steep ascents of the mountains, until 
 descending by a cleft, so narrow at its entrance 
 as to elude observation, and so dark, that the 
 light of day was almost shut out by the overhang- 
 ing rocks, we at length reached the upper part 
 of the hollow in which we now are. ' Behold,*
 
 ADVENTURER. 177 
 
 said he, ' the wonders of the omnipotent Creator ! 
 In this unknown recess you are safe from all pur- 
 suit ; nor will the necessaries of life be found 
 lacking. Man requires but little to sustain his 
 feeble frame ; and yet he thinks only of heaping 
 up provision which he can never use.' 
 
 *' The dervish then led me to this cavern, con- 
 cealed at that time as you found it now, in a 
 manner which, even though the valley were fre- 
 quented by human beings, would secure it from 
 discovery. But superstitious terror guards it 
 more effectually even than its secluded situation 
 from the prying eye of curiosity ; for these scathed 
 and barren heights have the reputation of being 
 haunted by evil spirits, who sport with human life. 
 In olden times, it is said, that many persons stray- 
 ing in this direction were spirited away, and never 
 heard of more. Nay, even in later days, more 
 than one of the neighbouring shepherds, who ven- 
 tured among them in search of stray sheep or 
 goats, seem to have shared a similar fate ; and 
 hence the evil report of the place is still kept up ; 
 so that none of the inhabitants of the neighbouring 
 villages will venture near it, nor permit their 
 sheep to be driven in this, direction. 
 
 " The interior was, as you see it, dark and vast. 
 But the dervish led me through many of its in- 
 tricacies, and made me acquainted with recesses 
 which would conceal a little army, in case of need.
 
 178 THE PERSIAN 
 
 In one of those the rush of waters might be heard ; 
 and upon approaching a chasm, which yawned in 
 the bottom of the recess, faint as was the light 
 received from fissures in the rock, I could see the 
 quick glitter of a foaming stream, which ran deep 
 beneath this cavity. It is from that inexhaustible 
 source that the water which has just refreshed 
 you, sir, was drawn. 
 
 " ^ Behold,' said the dervish, ' your home of 
 refuge. Here no mortal eye can see you; the 
 hand of man can never reach you ; — and see ! 
 here are the means of sustaining life ; coarse food, 
 parched peas, a few dried fruits, — the fare of a 
 dervish ; for in the solitude of this cavern does 
 Fakeer-u-deen often meditate on the Almighty 
 name of God, and the vanity of human life.' — 
 ' And how did this retreat become known to you?' 
 inquired I. Mt is many years,' returned he, 
 * since the bounty of Allah provided his servant 
 with this shelter from the storms of the world 
 and the persecutions of evil-minded man. And 
 listen to the simple means by which it was his will 
 that the discovery should be made. — Sitting one 
 day upon a rock near to this place, absorbed in 
 contemplation, my attention was attracted by the 
 appearance of a fox, which stealing along with its 
 usual swift but cautious step, entered a little 
 cavity between two rocks, and disappeared. It 
 is the animal's hole, — its home, was my unuttered
 
 ADVENTUREIt. 179 
 
 idea : blessed be the bounty of the Creator, who 
 ministers to the wants of his lowest creatures ! 
 While my eyes remained unconsciously fixed upon 
 the crevice into which it had entered, suddenly 
 it appeared once more at the entrance of the aper- 
 ture, and after looking stealthily around it for a 
 little space, it came fairly out and retired by the 
 road whence it came. 
 
 " * As it passed near me in its way, I remarked 
 that its head was wet ; the moisture still dripped 
 from its hair. There must be water in that cavity, 
 said I to myself, with awakened interest; for 
 the thirst which had for some time been painful, 
 increased at the sight, and I started up to examine 
 it. Displacing such fragments as I had strength 
 to move, I discovered the mouth of this cavern 
 under the ruins of the cliff above it ; and entering, 
 found it as you see. Although frequented by 
 brutes, I was probably the first human being that 
 ever set foot within its jaws. 
 
 " ' It was some time before the murmur of the 
 water drew me, groping cautiously, towards it ; 
 but how the animal contrived to reach it, deep as 
 it runs beneath its surface, I cannot say. It was 
 not without the aid of my girdle, torn into shreds, 
 that I found means to fill the cup which I carry in 
 my scrip, in order to slake my thirst. I loved the 
 perfect solitude of the place ; and since that time 
 have often resided here, disturbed by none but the
 
 180 THE PERSIAN 
 
 beasts, which, ignorant of man's intrusion on their 
 long enjoyed retreat, do not unfrequently come to 
 slake their thirst, or rest themselves in the cool 
 shade ; and I disturb them not. The secret rests 
 with me, and one or two who, like yourself, have 
 needed the secure retirement it affords.' 
 
 *' Such, sir, was the dervish's narrative. He 
 has been gathered to his fathers ; and of the few 
 whom I have conducted hither for shelter, scarce 
 one remains ahve. And now, to relieve your 
 doubts as to the means of providing for our sub- 
 sistence, be it known to your lordship that, coarse 
 though it may be, we have along with us food 
 sufficient, if sparingly used, to maintain us for two 
 days : when that is finished, I will leave this place, 
 with your permission, ^n the dusk of the evening, 
 taking with me the stoutest of our horses, — that 
 Yaboo, which poor Beder rode, will answer best in 
 this rough ground, — and repair to a village which 
 lies three fursungs from hence, retired among the 
 mountains. The disguise I shall wear will prevent 
 suspicion; and after purchasing as much food 
 as the beast can carry, I shall return again before 
 the evening of the following day. In this way, 
 and by making use of different dresses, and going 
 to different villages, I think there will be no 
 difficulty in supplying the whole party with ne- 
 cessaries, until you, sir, and the other wounded 
 people shall be in a condition to travel."
 
 ADVENTURER. 181 
 
 We derived no small satisfaction from the nar- 
 rative of Khodadad. The security it promised us, 
 joined to the comparative comfort and perfect 
 quiet we enjoyed, had a powerful effect in raising 
 our drooping spirits, and brightening our hopes of 
 the future. As therefore the cavern was to be 
 our abode for some considerable time, we all set 
 about establishing ourselves as commodiously as 
 things admitted of. Carpets, cloaks, and horse- 
 cloths, were put in requisition, and spread in the 
 most convenient forms ; and a sort of veil or cur- 
 tain was even got up for the accommodation of my 
 sister. A general examination of provision and 
 utensils for cookery was held ; and above all, the 
 hurts of those who had suffered in the skirmish, 
 were looked to, and after being washed with 
 water, which we heated by means of dried weeds 
 and brushwood, found in the cave, were bound up 
 with the cloth of our turbans and girdles. 
 
 To the wounded, indeed, the want of plentiful 
 food was rather beneficial than injurious ; and for 
 my own part, the fever ran too high during the 
 whole day and following night, to allow me to 
 relish a single morsel. My sister and her lover 
 tended me with the most affectionate care 
 during this time ; and what with the perfect repose 
 and coolness of the place, the spare diet, and a 
 good constitution, they had the satisfaction on the
 
 182 THE PEKSIAN 
 
 evening of the second day to find me considerably 
 better. 
 
 On that night Khodadad set out upon his 
 foraging trip, followed by all the hopes and wishes 
 of the party. Stripping himself of every military 
 appearance, he put on the coarsest brown wrapper 
 he could find in the company ; a brown sheep- 
 skin cap covered his head ; a jacket of the same 
 material was drawn over his under garments, and 
 on his shoulders he threw the Arab cloak in 
 which I had made my escape. More than one of 
 our party, when they saw him depart, betrayed 
 some feelings of mistrust ; but Yar Mahomed, 
 pointing to his joals and arms, observed that 
 these were a sufficient pledge for his honesty, 
 even if he did not know the man. At all events, 
 we were in no condition to do better ; and for my 
 own part, it has always been my opinion, that the 
 best method of making a man trustworthy is to 
 show that you believe him to be so. 
 
 By this time also it was judged safe enough to 
 turn out the horses, which had hitherto been sup- 
 ported by a pittance of corn, into the valley below, 
 where they might supply their own wants j and 
 accordingly, taking the precaution to shackle them 
 partially, by tying their heads to one of their fore 
 feet, they were left to graze till morning. 
 
 It is needless, and it would be tedious to dwell
 
 ADVENTURER. 183 
 
 further upon the particulars of our stay in this 
 cavern. Khodadad, sometimes alone, and some- 
 times accompanied by another of the party, 
 brought sufficient supplies of food ; and the 
 wounded gradually recovered. As health returned, 
 and I became able to attend to what was passing 
 about me, it was but natural that my heart should 
 turn with increased affection and interest towards 
 the new-found sister, to whom I owed so much ; 
 and I felt the strongest anxiety to hear her story ; 
 to learn how she, like myself, had escaped the 
 massacre of our family : what had been her lot 
 in life, and how she came at length to land in the 
 harem of the chief of Toorbut. On all these points 
 she readily satisfied me ; but the subject was tog 
 interesting to both to admit of being speedily dis- 
 cussed ; and I have endeavoured in the following 
 narrative to embody the result of the numerous 
 conversations which took place between us and 
 her lover Noor Mahomed, during our residence in 
 the Gaur-e-Dervish. * 
 
 • Dervish's cave.
 
 184 THE PERSIA?^ 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 hoosseinee's story. 
 
 It is scarcely necessary to revert to the catas- 
 trophe described in the outset of these memoirs,* 
 which destroyed the district of Karaboulagh, and 
 blotted at once from the pages of the book of life 
 the whole family and followers of iny father. The 
 fearful silence which on that day succeeded the 
 departure of the plunderers, was only broken by 
 the groans forced by thirst or agony from some 
 dying wretch. But before the sun had sunk in 
 the west the ruined walls echoed once more to 
 the tread of horses, and the shouts of their armed 
 riders. A strong party approached, cautiously 
 examined, and then entered the dismantled gate- 
 ways of the village. 
 
 ^^ We are late ! — we are too late !" exclaimed a 
 horseman, who, sent in advance to reconnoitre, met 
 
 * Part first of " The Kuzzilbash."
 
 ADVENTURER. 185 
 
 the leader of the party as he was returning from the 
 interior of the village. " The game is gone : the 
 hawks have struck and carried off the quarry. 
 Nothing but trash and carrion is left." — *' Is that 
 all your news ?" coldly repHed the chief, a dark 
 stern-looking man in full armour. — " Methinks 
 as much as this might have been gathered from 
 the tokens we' have seen already : where a bird 
 is stricken, the feathers are generally scattered : — 
 but, come on ! — advance, men ! — all seems still 
 enough :— no ambush ?" — " No sign of it, your 
 highness; not a living soul to be seen, nor the 
 sound of a living thing to be heard." — " Good ! 
 see that your sagacity is as great in this as in 
 your first report : — lead the way." 
 
 This leader was Seyd Sooltaun of Diroom, a rest- 
 less crafty chieftain, who having by dint of policy 
 and force obtained considerable power in this 
 border district, strove to preserve it, by taking 
 such part as his interest prompted in the feuds 
 that agitated and desolated the country around 
 him. Thus, at one time, he would range himself 
 with the Koords, and other tribes of the Attock, 
 against the Toorkomans of the desert : at another, 
 he might be detected in supporting by his in- 
 trigues, or even by less equivocal means, these very 
 Toorkomans against his former friends. 
 
 At this period he was, nominally at least, in 
 firm alliance with the Koords of Khabooshan, and
 
 186 THE PERSIAN 
 
 the Affshars of Dereguz ; but there was reason to 
 suspect that he was not uninformed of the chappow 
 which the Tekeh Toorkomans meditated against 
 Karaboulagh ; and the present expedition, under- 
 taken professedly to assist my father in getting rid 
 of his foes, was probably intended to serve a 
 double purpose : in the first place, to gain himself 
 credit as a good and faithful ally, at a moment of' 
 danger ; and in the second, to secure a fair pro- 
 portion of the booty, as well as the good-will of 
 the other party, by appearing to have purposely 
 retarded his arrival until too late to prevent their 
 object. 
 
 On this occasion, however, he had either mis- 
 calculated or been outwitted ; and in consequence 
 he reached the scene of action too late for either 
 purpose. The blow had been struck, the booty 
 carried off, and pillaged ruins and naked carcasses 
 alone remained. His disappointment was severe, 
 but irremediable ; for many hours had elapsed 
 since the event, and his deceitful allies were far 
 beyond pursuit, had pursuit been advisable. He 
 had been over-matched at his own weapons; and 
 it now only remained for him to make the most of 
 his pretended good intentions, and boast of his 
 promptness with his friends of the district. 
 
 While the chief was musing on these consi- 
 derations, his followers dispersed themselves 
 about the place, to pick up whatever might have
 
 ADVENTURER. 187 
 
 escaped the Hands of the phmderers ; but the 
 Tekehs were no blunderers at their trade, and 
 their search proved fruitless. In passing through 
 the courts of my father's dwelling, however, an 
 officer of the household of Seyd Sooltaun was at- 
 tracted by observing a movement in one of the 
 groups of bodies which lay there ; and presently 
 a female almost naked, and covered with blood, 
 half rose from among them, and stretching out 
 her arms towards him, besought him in a weak 
 voice for mercy and assistance. 
 
 The man advancing towards her, ajid observing, 
 that in spite of her wretched plight, she was young 
 and beautiful, was easily induced to render her 
 the aid she sought ; and was preparing to lead 
 her to the spot where his master stood, when, 
 bending over the spot where she had lain among 
 the dead, she faintly exclaimed, ^' Oh save this 
 too ! — save this child, this innocent miserable 
 child !" — " Child !" returned the man, with a 
 sneer: 'Svhat ! your child, no doubt? — No, no, 
 we want no children ; we shall have plague 
 enough without such animals." — *' Oh God V 
 cried she, '^ do not leave it ; — it is not mine : save 
 the infant daughter, the only remaining creature 
 of my master's family, the child of Moorteza 
 Khan." — ** Hah ! that alters the case ; is it indeed 
 the khan's child?" demanded the man; " and 
 where are all the rest of them?" — " Gone; mur-
 
 188 THE PERSIAN 
 
 dered, or prisoners," said the woman ; '* my oWii 
 eyes saw it. I saw the miscreants spear the poor 
 innocents like the cubs of a wolf or a jackall. I did 
 not even know that this sweet child had escaped. 
 I found it cast among a heap of mangled carcasses, 
 but unhurt. I gathered the few rags which were 
 left, to cover it from the sun and the air. Wounded 
 as I was, I could not leave the place ; and long 
 did I pray for help. Your party came ; but not 
 until I was certain of their being friends would I 
 venture to discover myself. Surely you will aid 
 and protect this babe and its miserable servant." 
 
 Notwithstanding the pitiable condition of the 
 child, there is reason to suppose that the earnest 
 appeal of its protectress might have been lost upon 
 a chieftain, who, like Seyd Sooltaun, would not for 
 a moment have put the cries of an hundred women 
 and children in competition with his own interest 
 or convenience. But policy pleaded in behalf of 
 the sufferers ; and it did not lift its voice in vain. 
 A child of Moorteza Khan, the brave and re- 
 spected chief of a considerable district, and con- 
 nected with a powerful tribe : to be possessed of 
 such a pledge would ensure him by far more fa- 
 vourable terms of protection or alliance from that 
 party than he could otherwise have hoped for. 
 The Affshars would doubtless feel and acknow- 
 ledge this service ; it would even influence the 
 Koordish tribes in his favour. Ignorant at the
 
 ADVENTURER. 189 
 
 time of the fate of Moorteza Khan himself, and 
 
 of the complete destruction of his house, it was 
 
 thus he reasoned the matter with himself; and 
 
 desiring the infant to be placed in safety, and the 
 
 woman taken care of to attend it, he quitted the 
 
 desolate village and returned to Diroom. That 
 
 infant — I scarce need say it — was Hoosseinee, my 
 
 youngest sister. 
 
 Arrived at Diroom,, the chief gave the child in 
 
 charge to his principal wife, with directions that 
 it should be treated with kindness and respect ; 
 urging as the cause of so unwonted an order in 
 favour of a slave, for such in other circumstances 
 must the child have been considered, the political 
 importance he attached to its possession. BuJ; 
 this gleam of good fortune did not long shine on 
 the little Hoosseinee. The fate of her father and 
 his clan soon became known ; and the chief of 
 Diroom perceived at a glance that the pohtical 
 consequence of the family could not survive for a 
 moment the destruction of its physical power. Its 
 nearest connections, the AfFshars of Dereguz and 
 Kelaat, were occupied in matters of more immedi- 
 ate importance to their particular interests than 
 the ransom of an infant female, the sole remaining 
 representative of a ruined house ; and the Koords 
 evinced still less regard for a name, which was 
 now but an empty sound, being neither able to 
 assist or to oppose them. My sister having lost
 
 190 THE PERSIAN 
 
 her political value, sunk at once into the condition 
 from which that alone would have preserved her, 
 and became a slave to the wife of her master. 
 
 Fortunately for her, she could not at that time 
 be sensible of a reverse which threatened to be 
 more than ordinarily severe. The khanum, in all 
 cases a stern and rigid mistress, sympathised with 
 her husband in the disappointment of which my 
 sister had been the innocent cause, and viewed 
 her with prejudice and dislike. This unfortunate 
 predisposition acquired strength rather than other- 
 wise in the khanum's mind, as Hoosseinee in- 
 creased in years ; so that it soon became apparent 
 even to the poor child herself. Naturally warm- 
 hearted and affectionate, she was eager to please, 
 and exerted herself to vnn the approbation of her 
 mistress by diligent attention to her commands ; 
 but the coldness of that lady's bearing towards 
 her when no fault was to be found, and the harsh- 
 ness with which she visited her smallest errors, 
 weaned by degrees the heart of the unfortunate 
 child from her. Obedience at length became the 
 effect of habit or of fear alone ; and her affections 
 thus rudely restrained from flowing in their na- 
 tural course, sought for other objects to fix upon 
 and to rejoice in. 
 
 That the person who had been my sister's ear- 
 liest friend, and whose exertions and entreaties 
 had proved the means of saving her hfe, should
 
 ADVENTURER. 191 
 
 view this conduct of her mistress with indignation, 
 and detest her cordially for it, was not to be won- 
 dered at ; and, at first, the faithful creature injured 
 herself, and even risked her life, by the display 
 of her zealous affection for her young charge ; 
 but she soon found that such undue indulgence 
 of her feelings was productive of more harm than 
 good ; and she contented herself in the sequel with 
 continuing to labour in private for the comfort of 
 her darling, and lavishing upon her those silent 
 attentions which she thought were the more re- 
 quired, from the harsh treatment she met with in 
 other quarters. 
 
 Deprived of every friend by the common catas- 
 trophe, and hopeless, — perhaps careless, of ransom^ 
 this woman became the more easily reconciled to 
 the will of the khanum, who bestowed her as a 
 wife upon the man who had been the first means 
 of saving her life at the ruined village ; and as the 
 duty of both herself and her husband required 
 their constant presence in the kallah, the earlier 
 years of my sister's life were divided between the 
 apartments of her mistress and the humbler dwell- 
 ing of her servant. Thus, as soon as the child 
 could comprehend her meaning, she made her ac- 
 quainted with the history of her own family and 
 its cruel fate ; nor did she fail to instil into her 
 young mind, sufficiently proud by nature, a high
 
 192 THE PERSIAN 
 
 sense of her own dignity, together with a fixed 
 dislike to those who, as the poor woman averred, 
 abused so shamefully the power they had unjustly 
 acquired over the daughter of so noble though 
 ruined a stock. 
 
 Her mind, disgusted with the present, found a 
 sickly joy in dweUing on the past; and her con- 
 versation during the hours she could spare from 
 her various duties, turned ever upon the fame and 
 glory of the AfFshar tribes, and in particular of 
 the race of Keerkloo ; to which she took care to 
 mention that her favourite's family belonged. 
 She dwelt upon the high descent, the gallantry in 
 war, the generous liberality, and noble deeds of 
 her forefathers ; of their feuds and friendships, 
 their alUances and enmities, with every particular 
 which her excited imagination could conjure up, 
 calculated to call forth the veneration and fondness 
 of their daughter. 
 
 Thus did that daughter become as well ac- 
 quainted, with the names, at least, of all her family 
 and clan ; and with their characters also, in so far 
 as the partial account of their dependant might be 
 trusted, as if they had continued to exist, and she 
 to live among them. It is not therefore to be 
 wondered at, if, when she learned that an AfFshar 
 of the race of Keerkloo was confined in the dun- 
 geons of the palace at Toorbut, her heart should
 
 ADVENTURER. 193 
 
 leap within her, and she should resolve to risk 
 her own life to save his : — but let me npt anti- 
 cipate. 
 
 Time passed on, and Hoosseinee advanced from 
 infancy to childhood; but the joys of that happy 
 careless period were little felt by her. The kha- 
 num, whether her vanity was gratified by the at- 
 tendance of a slave of name and family, like my 
 sister's ; or, whether she loved to indulge her 
 spleen by constantly mortifying the pride, crushing 
 the spirit, and withering the affections, of one 
 whom she disliked, by reproaches and severity, is 
 uncertain; but, from a very early age, she insisted 
 on the close attendance of Hoosseinee, and kept 
 her perpetually employed in tasks and office, 
 not always suited to her years and strength ; 
 while an error or failure on her part was sure to 
 call forth sharp rebukes, and even serious punish- 
 ment. The attentions of her nurse were first dis- 
 couraged, and then prohibited ; till at length, the 
 woman's husband having received charge of a dis- 
 tant fortified village, she removed with him to it ; 
 and the poor girl saw her only friend no more. 
 
 This was her first serious misfortune, and it fell 
 upon her with unmitigated weight: there now 
 was none to whom she could pour out her child- 
 ish sorrows : her pillow was wet with bitter tears; 
 and she, whose fondness had been her comfort 
 under every affliction, was not there to dry them. 
 
 VOL. I. I
 
 194 THE PERSIAN 
 
 She pined sadly for a while ; but childhood is not 
 the season of lasting grief: her spirits revived by- 
 degrees : a single w^ord of kindness, nay, even of 
 less than ordinary severity, from those around her, 
 w^ould fall like a beam of sunshine on her httle 
 heart, and make her cheerful almost vsdthout an 
 effort. Perhaps the unremitting labour which the 
 performance of her tasks demanded, though se- 
 vere, might have been a wholesome infliction : it 
 prevented her from brooding over her sorrows, 
 and sent her to her couch at night prepared to 
 lose all recollection of either pain or fatigue in a 
 sound refreshing sleep. 
 
 Hoosseinee was barely nine years of age when 
 this loss befell her ; and from that time the kha- 
 num took to retaining her more entirely about her 
 own person. At night she slept at the door of her 
 mistress's chamber, in order to be more within 
 call : she assisted her to dress ; plaited her long 
 grey hair, mingling it with other locks of a fresher 
 hue, and interweaving with it the customary orna- 
 ments in great profusion : she had the charge of 
 the soormah box and hinna for tinging her long 
 shrivelled fingers : she was chief pincher and ope- 
 rator when in the bath ; and performed all the 
 other offices of the toilet- While busied with su- 
 perintending her various household duties, it was 
 Hoosseinee who followed to receive her orders; 
 often bending under the weight of the various
 
 ADVENTURER. 195 
 
 utensils which her mistress forced lier to carry. 
 When seated among her pile of cushions, watching 
 her women engaged at their looms, fabricating 
 carpets or cloth for the family use, it was Hoos- 
 seinee whom she called upon to hand her calleeoon 
 and other refreshments ; to bring her trinkets for 
 the ladies' amusement; or still more frequently, 
 her little round set mirror ; for her personal vanity 
 was great, as it seemed, in proportion to her age' 
 and ugliness. 
 
 Situated as the family and followers of Seyd 
 Sooltaun were, in a district bordering upon the 
 desert, in possession of a powerful chief, and in- 
 habiting the remains of an ancient city, yet sur- 
 rounded on all sides by tribes of various deno- 
 minations, their manners and customs received a 
 mingled character. Fixed in a great degree by 
 the political and local situation of their chief to a 
 particular line of country, the pastoral and erratic 
 propensities of the tribes were in their case much 
 controuled ; and his followers, living for the greater 
 part of the year in villages, adopted many of the 
 customs of their more settled neighbours. Their 
 dress, which formerly was that of the desert tribes, 
 became, like their manners, gradually mingled with 
 the costume of Iran. The simple desert fare, in 
 the same way, gave place to the more refined 
 cookery of Persia ; and the high-seasoned pillaw 
 and stews, the savoury kabauhs, the rich sweet-
 
 196 THE PERSIAN 
 
 meats and sauces of their more luxurious neigh- 
 bours, began to make their appearance at the 
 repasts of the richer classes. The Toork and Tau- 
 juk* were united within their walls. 
 
 Their occupations also partook of both condi- 
 tions ; and although cultivation was carried on to 
 no inconsiderable extent, still, horses, camels, cat- 
 tle, and flocks, formed a large portion of their 
 wealth. Even the property of the chief consisted 
 principally in such stock, and all of his household 
 were in their turns employed in attending to them 
 and preparing their produce. This employment 
 Was in truth no hardship ; on the contrary, it was 
 looked upon as a delightful recreation, to quit the 
 confinement of the city, and accom.pany a party 
 in driving the cattle to fresh pastures, to prepare 
 their milk for its various uses, to shear the sheep, 
 and collect the winter stores. Even the khanum 
 herself would often join in these pleasant expe- 
 ditions,, and laying aside her habitual austerity, 
 under the cheerful influence of the scene around 
 her, Vv'ould mingle in the gaiety, and enjoy the 
 unfettered liberty which the customs of the tribes 
 permit. On such occasions the veil, that odious 
 invention of jealous tyranny, was never seen : 
 such as were more prudish than the rest might 
 indeed put on the sUght handkerchief of crimson 
 
 * Tcork and Taujuk were terms signifying- respectively the 
 erratic or wandering tiibes, and tlie dwellers in c.cies.
 
 ADVENTURER. 197 
 
 silk, which is to be seen among the Toorkomans 
 themselves; but the loose shift and brown jubba, 
 with the high and ornamented cap, formed the 
 dress of even the best among them. 
 
 In the city all was different. There constraint 
 resumed her sway ; some of the females even 
 went so far as to adopt the full Persian dress from 
 head to foot -, while others contented themselves 
 with the light screen of silk which only hides the 
 mouth and chin, leaving the eyes, those danger- 
 ous female weapons, at liberty to bewitch, to al- 
 lure, or to reprove, at the good pleasure of their 
 owner. The khanum herself, who by no means 
 relished excessive constraint, and who was proud 
 of the charms which perhaps she might one d^y 
 have possessed, and which she still considered as 
 her property, seldom wore a veil ; and in this par- 
 ticular her example was followed by all of her 
 household to whom she would grant the liberty ; 
 but some there were whose youthful charms she 
 thought it more prudent to conceal, even within 
 the walls ; and not all the beauty which this irk- 
 some distinction implied could compensate its 
 possessor for the vexatious concealment and con- 
 straint it involved. 
 
 Nor did the monotonous and laborious dulness 
 of the town occupations form a less irksome con- 
 trast with those of the country. Resuming her 
 cruel and tyrannical habits, the khanum, as if to
 
 198 THE PERSIAN 
 
 compensate herself for the short comparative re- 
 spite which her unfortunate dependants had en- 
 joyed, would double her demands upon their la- 
 bour, and exact the performance of their tasks 
 with increased rigor. From morning till night, 
 and day after day, were her numerous slaves, 
 many of them young, and naturally overflowing 
 with high spirits, forced to sit over the loom, weav- 
 ing the same eternal carpets, or picking wooMbr 
 the thread of these same carpets, or to stuff the 
 khanum's vests ; cleaning the lamb-skins for her 
 cloaks ; spinning cotton for the coarse cloths us^d 
 in the family ; cutting and washing whole mauns * 
 of tobacco, to supply her incessant appetite for 
 smoking ; and cleaning her well-used calleeoon ; or 
 picking rice and raisins, or Bockhara plums for her 
 dainty pillaw ; with a thousand other equally in- 
 teresting employments ; and if for a moment the 
 eye wandered, or the wearied fingers relaxed > or 
 the worn-out spirit relieved itself in a groan or an 
 expression of its suffering, the ever-watchful eyes 
 of its mistress were sure to detect the culprit; 
 and serious were the consequences. Stern and 
 revengeful as was the chief himself, and dreadful 
 as were the tales told of his deeds when the dark 
 mood was upon him, the still more active and un- 
 sparing cruelty of his wife was scarcely less fatal. 
 The shrieks of pain and agony which issued 
 
 * A weight of 7ilbs.
 
 ADVENTURER. 199 
 
 from the court of her underoon too often be- 
 trayed 'the terrible punishments that were inflicted 
 there ; and the maimed countenances of many a 
 wretch about the kallah bore witness to the danger 
 of rousing the anger of its mistress. Many were 
 the cruel and bloody acts which were committed, 
 not only consistent with my sister's knowledge, 
 but often before her eyes : nor, young as she was, 
 did she escape without her share of the general 
 suffering. One or two instances of these cruelties 
 I will give in her own words : — 
 
 ^' Scarcely was I ten years of age, when, one 
 day, being ordered along with a girl three years 
 older than myself, to dress the skins of some lambs 
 that had been killed, in order to prepare them Ibr 
 being made into cloaks, we quitted our task on 
 some occasion, leaving one or two of the skins 
 inadvertently behind us. A dog having scented 
 these, made its way into the place, and was de- 
 tected in the act of tearing and destroying them. 
 The khanum soon discovered her loss, and di- 
 rected the culprits to be brought before her. We 
 appeared, trembling with fear, and not without 
 cause. Her female executioners, who were in at- 
 tendance, were ordered to strip me on the spot ; 
 and I believe my shoulders to this day can bear 
 witness to the strictness with which they obeyed 
 her orders. My companion fared still worse. 
 Being older, she was considered more to blame
 
 200 THE PFRSIAN 
 
 than me, and able to endure a severer punishment. 
 Her inhuman mistress directed the bastinadoe to 
 be applied to the poor creature's feet; and she 
 never recovered from its effects. She continued 
 lame for life. 
 
 " But one instance of atrocious severity I never 
 can forget, for it was the first I ever witnessed. 
 A female servant had been employed to wash some 
 clothes belonging to the khanum, and by some acci- 
 dent, when they were returned, one or two articles 
 were missing : the khanum, without deigning an 
 inquiry, upbraided the woman with the utmost 
 bitterness, and exhausted every term of abuse in 
 denouncing her for a dishonest thief. The poor 
 creature repelled the accusation in language by no 
 means disrespectful, but more free perhaps than 
 prudence warranted : — alas ! she never spoke more. 
 ^ What ! does the impudent thief (the term 
 applied was by no means so mild) attempt to 
 make me eat dirt ? — to make me a liar V exclaimed 
 the khanum, foaming with rage. * Here, Gulreez ! 
 Massuah ! — where are you, slaves ? — lay hold of 
 her, and stop her mouth. Do you hear? Cutout 
 her tongue instantly: — she will learn to wag it 
 again in the face of her mistress.' Even the two 
 ministers of her will shrunk, appalled at a sentence 
 so disproportioned to the offence. * Slaves ! do 
 ye hesitate?' cried the khanum, with a look of
 
 ADVENTURER. 203 
 
 Bed, as was supposed, over the imperfect wall, by 
 which they probably had enterea. 
 
 In a few minutes the lanterns were rekindled, 
 and the khanum, who through fright and breath- 
 lessness had sunk to the ground, was raised by my 
 sister and their new champion ; who then leaving 
 her to the care of her women, fell modestly back 
 from the group. It was then that Hoosseinee, raising 
 her eyes, observed by the light of the lantern, 
 which fell full on his person, that his were fastened 
 upon her countenance. Filled with confusion, she 
 bent her looks on the ground, and mechanically 
 raising her hand, became aware that in her exer- 
 tions to assist her mistress, the silken screen which 
 concealed the lower part of her face had fallen 
 off, leaving the whole of her features exposed to 
 his gaze. The consciousness of this exposure in- 
 creased her perplexity, and involuntarily raising 
 her hand once more, she felt her cheeks covered 
 with burning blushes, at observing the look of 
 unequivocal admiration with which the young man 
 continued to regard her. She could* not bear his 
 piercing glance, and once more averted her head ; 
 but the noble figure of the youth, his dark expres- 
 sive eyes, and cheeks like tulips, all glowing with 
 emotion, made an impression upon her heart that 
 was not to be effaced. 
 
 Pitying her confusion, as it seemed, the young 
 man turned away his eyes, and respectfully ad-
 
 204 THE PERSTAN 
 
 vancing to the khanum, who had now recovered 
 her self-possession, expressed his hope that she 
 had sustained no injury, and begged permission to 
 guard the party to their home. The khanum, 
 grateful for his timely aid, replied in terms of suf- 
 ficient courtesy, accepting his proffered attendance ; 
 and at the same time intimating the rank of her to 
 whom he had rendered this important service. The 
 young man's reply was still more expressive of 
 concern for the accident, and of respect and sur- 
 prise at her being the object of so bold an out- 
 rage ; and then, for the first time, it occurred to 
 the party to seek for, and examine the body of the 
 wounded man. But no trace of him was to be 
 found, except a pool of blood where he had fallen : 
 his comrades, doubtless, had removed him, or 
 he had crawled away, favoured by the darkness. 
 And no discovery was ever made of the perpetra- 
 tors of this singular assault. 
 
 It was suggested, indeed, that certain of the 
 neighbouring tribes at enmity with the chief of 
 Diroom, and who doubtless had agents in the 
 place, might probably have received notice of the 
 khanum's intended visit, and formed the plan of 
 robbing her of her jewels, of which, upon such oc- 
 casions, she always wore a profusion ; or even of 
 securing her person, with the view of extorting a 
 large ransom : but all this was mere surmise ; 
 the truth was never known.
 
 ADVENTURER. 201 
 
 fury ; — ' do ye also brave me ? — obey, or tremble.' 
 The hint was sufficient ; in a moment the miserable 
 victim, who had fallen upon her knees, imploring 
 for mercy, in accents that thrilled through my very 
 soul, was thrown upon her back : I saw the knife 
 gleam in the hands of her executioner ; a shriek of 
 hon'or, which I could not repress, mingled with 
 the half-stifled scream of the wretched woman ; — 
 a mist overspread my eyes, and I found myself 
 stretched on the ground by a blow from the hand 
 of the khanum, whose fury at this unfortunate 
 expression of my terror and disgust was excited to 
 the highest pitch. 
 
 "On recovering, I saw the object of my compas- 
 sion slowly lifted from the ground, her eyes half 
 closed, as if in death, and her mouth welling out 
 with blood. Such were the kind of scenes which 
 were too often acted within the walls of the harem ; 
 and I could tell of worse than these ; but you have 
 heard enough to comprehend how much reason I 
 had to dishke and to fear the khanum. But mine 
 was a hopeless terror ; for the idea of escape from 
 her power never entered my brain - Whither, 
 indeed, or to whom could I have fled ? Diroom 
 and its neighbourhood was the world to me ; and 
 there Seyd Sooltaun was absolute lord and master." 
 
 In sorrow, or in gladness, however, years will 
 roll on ; and in spite of the frowns of her mistress, 
 and the laborious monotony of her life, my sister
 
 202 
 
 THE PERSIAN 
 
 advanced in health and stature, until she had num- 
 bered fourteen summers. At this period an event 
 occurred v^^hich changed the colour of her destiny, 
 and strewed some roses in her thorny path. 
 
 One evening the khanum being invited to an 
 entertainment given by the w^ife of a principal 
 officer in the service of Seyd Sooltaun, went to it 
 accompanied by some of her women, among whom 
 was my sister. Upon their return, late at night, 
 as they passed along a narrow street, close to the 
 wall of the town, which in that part had fallen 
 somewhat into disrepair, they were startled by the 
 noise of a scuffle in front : the paper lanterns 
 carried by two attendants were struck from their 
 hands, and several armed men rushed forward to 
 seize the person of the khanum, while others kept 
 the servants from aiding their mistress. At this 
 critical moment, when one of the people had already 
 been struck down, and the struggles of the khanum 
 and my sister were nearly overpowered, a young 
 man coming up, rushed to their assistance, with a 
 stout staff in one hand, and his drawn dagger in 
 the other. With a single blow he knocked down 
 the ruffian who had fastened upon Hoosseinee, and 
 struck his khunjur into the body of him who held 
 the khanum ; shouting aloud at the same time, as 
 if to a party of friends in the rear. The wounded 
 man fell with a loud groan, and the rest of the 
 assailants, panic struck, quitted their prey and
 
 ADVENTURER. 207 
 
 and will you not reply to them ? Oh ! after all 
 that has passed, after all my earnest efforts to 
 communicate with you, do not, lovely Hoosseinee, 
 call me stranger : surely your eyes, if my heart 
 has interpreted right, have not spoken the words 
 of discouragement." Poor Hoosseinee blushed 
 high at these words, with mingled confusion and 
 unger: she felt that he was almost right; yet 
 could not endure that he should see her weakness. 
 
 " You are very bold, sir, to speak thus to one 
 who knows you not," replied she at length, with 
 an air of displeasure ; '^ nor can I allow that 
 the service you rendered to my mistress gives 
 you any right to insult her slave : — let me pass, 
 sir." At these words, the colour fled from his 
 cheeks. '* Alas ! I have offended you," said he : 
 *' I, who would give my life to please you ; but I 
 will do so no more, since it is your desire 1 must 
 leave you : but — ." 
 
 His disconsolate look melted her young heart, 
 and her anger, which never was very serious, 
 vanished from her thoughts : she stopped irreso- 
 lute ; — ^^ What would you have ?" she said. " You 
 know I cannot listen to you without a breach of 
 duty : — speak ! what is it you desire ? I would not 
 be ungrateful to one who — " 
 
 *' What would I say!" returned he; ^^ alas ! 
 I scarce ^can tell. The lover is eloquent to the 
 moon ; but before the face of his mistress he is
 
 208 THE PERSIAN 
 
 dumb. My heart is melted, lovely Hoosseinee ; 
 love for you has turned it into w^ater,v and yet I 
 burn ! Ever since that happy, fatal night, I 
 think but of the charms which accident revealed 
 to my view, and I sigh and call upon your name." 
 In this way did the young man run on, expressing 
 his passion to the innocent girl, who scarce un- 
 derstood his meaning, but who was almost un- 
 consciously flattered and delighted by the admira- 
 tion he professed ; and it was only her extreme 
 terror for the angler of her mistress that at lenplh 
 induced him to quit her, after she had, in her sim- 
 plicity, half promised that she would see him once 
 more at no distant period. 
 
 Slowly did she return homewards, musing on 
 what had passed, and filled with tumultuous emo- 
 tions : terror and uncertainty predominated, it is 
 true ; but there was also a secret sense of pleasure, 
 a sweet consciousness of being beloved by one, 
 whose image had dwelt in her mind from the first 
 moment of their meeting ; and the assurances of 
 love and devotion which she had just heard, the 
 first sound of affection which had greeted her ears 
 for so long, sunk deep into her heart, and filled 
 it vidth gratitude and delight. Young and tender 
 as poor Hoosseinee was, without a creature on 
 whom to pour out the overflowing kindness of her 
 soul, it is not to be wondered at if her feehngs, 
 thus long pent up, should be lavished upon the
 
 ADVENTURER. 205 
 
 A few days after this event, my sister, in com- 
 pany vnth another of the female slaves, v^as sent 
 to the bazar upon an errand by her mistress. As 
 they passed along the street on their return, her 
 companion, touching her arm, exclaimed — *' See, 
 Hoosseinee ! look at that handsome young man : — 
 how he stares at us ! It is very wrong of him to 
 do so: — I wonder who he is." Hoosseinee turned, 
 and her whole face crimsoned, at observing the 
 same dark and piercing eyes, the same bright 
 downy cheeks, and the same shght but noble 
 figure, which were so deeply imprinted on her 
 memory ; — ^it was the young man who had inter- 
 posed so opportunely, when the khanum was 
 attacked on her way from the entertainment. 
 
 Observing her involuntary glance of recognition 
 he ventured upon a low obeisance, to which, 
 however, she did not dare to make the least re- 
 turn ; but pressing her companion's arm in her 
 turn, she hurried her away, scarce conscious of 
 what she did. From that time she scarce ever 
 moved beyond the walls of the kallah without 
 seeing this young man, who seemed to have no 
 other business than that of watching her steps ; 
 but as she was always accompanied by one or 
 other of her fellow-slaves, he never dared to 
 address them. 
 
 One day, however, about a fortnight after the 
 first rencontre, my sister happened to be sent on
 
 206 THE PERSIAN 
 
 some occasion, alone, to the bazar, and on return- 
 ing from the shops, she observed her persevering 
 admirer watching her with great earnestness. 
 Fluttered and alarmed, though scarcely knowing 
 why, Hoosseinee hurried homewards ; but no sooner 
 had she reached a less public part of the town 
 than she was startled afresh, by meeting him full 
 in the face. Her agitation was too great to escape 
 his observation. — '^ Be not alarmed, beautiful 
 Hoosseinee," said he, approaching with a respect- 
 ful salute : — " you see a slave who would give his 
 life to serve you : long, long have I sought an 
 opportunity of speaking with you ; do not de- 
 prive me of the blessing which my good stars have 
 at last vouchsafed to me." 
 
 Poor Hoosseinee 's confusion now became ex- 
 treme ; and for some moments she could not com- 
 mand the utterance of a single word : yet even 
 then, she confessed that a furtive sensation of 
 pleasure began to mingle with and tranquillise her 
 fears. At length, recovering a little, — '^ Why," 
 said she, in scarcely audible accents, — '* why 
 should you speak to me ? You know that it is 
 wrong for a stranger to speak to the female ser- 
 vants of another : let me pass on, I entreat you : 
 I must retire home." — ^^ Oh, stay !" said he with 
 earnestness ; — ^^do not leave me ! — call me not a 
 stranger. It is true we have never spoken with 
 our lips, but my eyes have uttered many things ;
 
 ADVENTURER. 209 
 
 first object fitted to excite them. With all the 
 glow of youthful enthusiasm, she dwelt upon the 
 idea which her fancy (for as yet it scarce was 
 more) had formed of the being who had thus 
 proffered his own love, and claimed her's in re- 
 turn; a boon in truth but too easily granted. She 
 called to mind his gallant bearing and noble form, 
 his countenance, in which the brilliant light of 
 youth was joined to the dignified deportment of 
 manhood ; above all, she dwelt upon each ex- 
 pression of affection, each avowal of love and 
 devotion, and thought how blessed she would be 
 with such a creature to cherish and protect her. 
 
 These thoughts passed with wonderful rapidity 
 through my sister's brain, and it was her arrival* 
 at the gate of the kallah that first aroused her to 
 the painful contrast of her real situation. Per- 
 haps these dehghtful impressions were strength- 
 ened by the stormy reception which awaited her 
 from the khanum, who thinking, and for that 
 time not without cause, that her slave had trifled 
 an unnecessary while upon the road, assailed her 
 bitterly in word and deed ; nor did she fail to pay 
 full dearly for the pleasure she had so unex- 
 pectedly experienced. 
 
 From that time forward the interviews between 
 Noor Mahomed (so was her lover called) and 
 Hoosseinee increased in frequency and interest. 
 Whenever she ventured out alone, and she soon
 
 210 THE PERSIAN 
 
 learnt to invent occasions for so doing, she was 
 certain of meeting the young man, whose time 
 seemed chiefly spent in watching her movements. 
 He soon became acquainted with the hours at 
 which she usually went abroad, and never failed 
 to meet her in some retired part of the way, so as 
 to enjoy with her a few moments' conversation, 
 and assure her of his unceasing love. Short as 
 were these moments, they became the dehght of 
 poor Hoosseinee's life, the only object worth liv- 
 ing for ; and, as if their stars had been disposed 
 to shine upon them benignly for a season, to 
 increase this sweetening drop in the cup of their 
 existence, their oppressors themselves, by their 
 own acts, contributed to facilitate the intercourse 
 of the lovers. 
 
 The attack upon the khanum had occurred at 
 a time when Seyd Sooltaun had left Diroom, in or- 
 der to assist with his forces Melek Mahmood 
 Seistanee, with whom he was then in alliance ; 
 nor did he hear of the event until his return a 
 month afterwards -, when the khanum, in relating 
 the circumstances of her escape, described the 
 gallant conduct of the youth whose opportune 
 appearance had driven the marauders from their 
 prey. 
 
 The chief, at all times an admirer of gallantry, 
 and anxious to enlist among his followers a per- 
 son who had evinced so much daring intrepidity.
 
 ADVENTURER. 211 
 
 caused strict inquiry to be made after Noor Ma- 
 homed ; and having discovered that he v^^as a ser- 
 vant, indeed a slave, belonging to one of his prin- 
 cipal officers, he soon made arrangements for 
 adding him to the list of his ow^n household. Thus 
 did Noor Mahomed and my sister become in- 
 mates of the same dwelling- • a circumstance 
 which, in an estabUshment like that of Seyd 
 Sooltaun, more than half Toorkoman in its cus- 
 toms, was of itself sufficient to afford them frequent 
 opportunities of meeting without suspicion. 
 
 It was now that Hoosseinee became more fully 
 acquainted with her lover's history. That it in some 
 degree resembled her own, perhaps gave an ad- 
 ditional charm to their intimacy ; which continued 
 as it had commenced, in perfect purity and simplicity 
 of heart. A captive, like herself, in infancy, but 
 not like her enjoying the attentions of a devoted 
 friend, who might have kept alive in his breast the 
 knowledge and the love of his family, he was ig- 
 norant of all that related to his origin. His earliest 
 recollections were those of living with an old mer- 
 chant at Bockhara, of whose family he believed 
 himself to be a member ; until, upon some occa- 
 sion of displeasure, he, to his mortification and 
 grief, was informed of his real condition. 
 
 The merchant, whose dealings were extensive, 
 was in the habit of purchasing such captives as 
 were taken by the tribes of the desert in their
 
 212 THE PERSIAN 
 
 plundering excursions, and of selling, or receiv- 
 ing ransom for them, as the case might be. Infthe 
 course of his business, he made frequent journeys 
 from Bockhara to Khorasan, visiting the aouls of 
 the various tribes in his way : a vi^elcome guest ; 
 for to him they looked for the supply of many an 
 article which they required ; while he on his part 
 was equally well pleased to make his ample pro- 
 fit of the produce of the desert, including such 
 prisoners as they had to dispose of all of which 
 he received in exchange for his arms, his hard- 
 ware, his cloths, and various other goods. 
 
 •By the time that Noor Mahomed had reached 
 his twelfth year, his master, who loved him, and 
 had it in view to render him a useful assistant, 
 resolved to make the boy his companion on these 
 journeys ; and having occasion to visit the an- 
 cient city of Merve, on his way to Mushed in 
 Khorasan, he loaded a number of camels with 
 black lamb-skins and captives ; and joining him- 
 self to a small caravan already waiting to set out, 
 he began his march to Merve. But, when only 
 two days' journey distant from that place, a fear- 
 ful storm arose, in which many of his camels were 
 destroyed, together with some of his servants and 
 prisoners. The guides bewildered by the tem- 
 pest, lost their way ; and the whole caravan was 
 in imminent danger of being lost, when they were 
 discovered by a party of Toorkomans returning to
 
 ADVENTURER. 
 
 213 
 
 their encampment near Merve, among whom was 
 Salour Beg, a soldier of fortune, at that time in 
 the service of Malek Mahmood, and sent by him 
 as one of his agents among the tribes of the 
 Attock. 
 
 That men whose business was plunder, should 
 fail to make the most o a caravan discovered in 
 so helpless a condition, was not to be expected. 
 The privileged persons of the guides, together 
 with that of the old merchant, and some other 
 well-known traders, all of whom produced their 
 perwannahs* from the principal chiefs, whose 
 tribes lay in their route, secured it from open hos- 
 tility ; but the demands of recompense for assist- 
 ance rendered, — demands which the travellers 
 w'ere in no condition to resist, — left them but lit- 
 tle to congratulate themselves upon. Heavy con- 
 tributions were exacted under one pretence or 
 another ; and many of the prisoners who had en- 
 tertained fair hopes of deliverance, passed once 
 more into a state of hopeless bondage. Among the 
 rest, Salour Beg took a fancy to Noor Mahomed. 
 ** He is yours, sir," said the merchant with a 
 sigh, well knowing the futility of remonstrance ; 
 and the boy was immediately hoisted upon the 
 crupper of a huge Toorkoman horse, behind a 
 servant of his new master. 
 
 I * Protections for the road ; passports.
 
 214 THE PERSIAN 
 
 A change as complete as it was sudden and un- 
 expected, thus took place in the condition and 
 prospects of Noor Mahomed ; who, after the first 
 shock was over, found no reason to regret what 
 had happened. The bustle and excitement of a 
 military life was far more suited to his ardent 
 mind and fearless disposition than the sober mo- 
 notonous employment of a merchant. This war- 
 like propensity was soon discovered by his new 
 master, who took delight in gratifjdng and en- 
 couraging a taste so entirely his own ; and the 
 boy continued to attend upon his person, growing 
 in favour as in years. In process of time Salour 
 Beg entered into the service t*.i the chief of Diroom, 
 carrying with him the boy, now become a youth, 
 improved in strength and all manly accomplish- 
 ments. On more than one occasion he had dis- 
 tinguished himself for courage and activity ; and 
 when the name of Noor Mahomed was intimated to 
 the chief as the champion of his lady, it only ren- 
 dered him the more desirous of numbering the 
 youth among his more chosen followers. 
 
 But although the constant attendance of the 
 young man upon his new master, when at home, 
 increased his opportunities of seeing my sister, 
 and enabled them frequently to prolong their in- 
 terviews, these advantages were greatly counter- 
 balanced by the obligation of following that chief 
 in all his military expeditions. Often was she
 
 ADVENTURER. 215 
 
 weeks and months without seeing him, and all 
 that time her heart was filled with terror and 
 anxiety for his safety. Still the delight of meeting 
 when he did return overpaid her for all her suf- 
 ferings ; and, strange as it may appear, such was 
 the caution, which terror for the fury of the kha- 
 num on one side, and fear of consequences to hi& 
 beloved mistress on the other, inspired the lovers 
 with, that this measured intercourse continued 
 to subsist undiscovered between them for many 
 months. 
 
 It is not easy to say how long they might have 
 been contented with such stolen and imperfect en- 
 joyment ; but at length their communication was 
 very rudely interrupted. I have said little re- 
 garding the family of Seyd Sooltaun ; for my 
 sister had little pleasure in talking of any one of 
 them. Among other children, however, he had a 
 son, Mouchtar Beg, a man of a debauched and 
 worthless character. It would be painful to ex- 
 plain how this person insulted and excited the 
 indignant reproof of my sister's lover ; it is suffi- 
 cient to say, that stung with disappointment and 
 fury, he vowed the young man should rue what he 
 termed his insolence ; that he would never rest 
 satisfied with less than his utter ruin: and in 
 conformity with his vow, he employed spies to 
 watch Noor Mahomed's actions, in hopes of dis- 
 covering something to his prejudice.
 
 216 THE PERSIAN 
 
 But although the uprightness and regularity of 
 the young man's general conduct left no room for 
 censure in points of duty, his enemy was but too 
 successful in obtaining a piece of information suited 
 to his purpose. His interviews with Hoosseinee 
 were detected ; and not once, but repeatedly, was 
 that enemy an unseen witness of their blameless 
 endearments. Such a discovery was beyond his 
 hopes. To be detected in an intrigue with a slave 
 of the chief! how could such a transgression be 
 pardoned ? 
 
 In truth Mouchtar Beg had good reason for 
 expecting the fulfilment of his denunciations ; for 
 the chief, astonished and highly irritated at his 
 son's communication, which was given, as may be 
 easily imagined, in the most exaggerated shape it 
 would bear, directed the khanum to deal as she , 
 thought fit with her slave ; while he himself send- 
 ing for the hapless and unsuspecting Noor Ma- 
 homed, and listening only to the dictates of his 
 wrath, inflamed by the representations of the cow- 
 ardly informer, ordered him to be beaten with rods 
 in his presence, until he was carried away almost 
 insensible. 
 
 The punishment of my unfortunate sister was 
 even more severe ; for the merciless blows which 
 were showered upon her person, embittered by the 
 furious and keen abuse of her savage mistress, 
 was not thought sufficient : a coarse cloth being
 
 ADVENTURER. 217 
 
 thrown over her lacerated shoulders, she was drag- 
 ged, half fainting with pain and weakness, to a 
 dark cold cell ; where for near a fortnight her 
 only sustenance was a pittance of bread and water. 
 At the end of that time she was led from her dun- 
 geon to the scarcely less loathsome and terrible 
 presence of her mistress, to suffer the intolerable 
 tauntings of her poisonous tongue. ** So, young 
 wanton, has the wholesome discipline which my 
 prudence has administered to you cooled your 
 blood, and brought you to your senses ? You 
 must be a woman forsooth ! i/ou must be set up 
 with a lover ! — but I will teach you what you 
 are ; — a slave's business is to wait for orders ; and 
 this you must do, shameless ! though you are the 
 daughter of a khan, Mash- Allah !" In this man- 
 ner did she run on, working herself up into a most 
 unnecessary rage ; her cruel attendants, ever and 
 anon twisting the unhappy girl's ears, or striking 
 her on the mouth with their iron-heeled slippers, 
 at the signal of her mistress, whenever she made 
 an effort to speak. 
 
 Trembling with terror, poor Hoosseinee could 
 scarce support herself; for she remembered the 
 bloody deeds she had witnessed in that- very apart- 
 ment, and believed that her own time was now 
 come; but after exhausting every species of in- 
 vective she could think of, the khanum contented 
 herself with giving orders that she should be set 
 
 VOL. I. K
 
 218 THE PERSIAN 
 
 to work at beating and preparing wool ; a work 
 for which, in her state, she was but ill quahfied. 
 
 Happy, however, to be released from her pre- 
 sence, she followed the servants to the task as- 
 signed her, and strove to bear her misery as best 
 she could, and conciliate rather than irritate those 
 in whose charge she had been placed. Bitter in- 
 deed and desponding were her reflections, as at 
 length released from labour, she sunk upon her 
 wretched pillow. The sun of her life was dark- 
 ened, the only solace of her miserable existence — 
 till now she scarcely knew how miserable — was 
 snatched from her. The future presented but 
 one dark and threatening prospect of cruelty, 
 hardship, and oppression. 
 
 But not for herself alone was the terror and 
 despair of my wretched sister excited. If such 
 had been her own treatment, what might not have 
 been the fate of her lover ? This was the over- 
 whelming thought ; and the horrors of anxiety 
 and suspense were added to the ills under which 
 she already laboured. These told her that fate 
 had yet a darker cloud in store for her. Bitterly 
 did she weep ; but her tears brought no relief; 
 for the period of terrible certainty and hopeless 
 resignation had not yet come. Her weakness and 
 pitiable condition moved the compassion even of 
 her taskers. They exacted a less rigid account of 
 her work, and gave her better food than her mis-
 
 ADVENTURER. 219 
 
 tress had ordered for her. Alas ! she had little 
 desire to eat. Emaciated in body, and enervated 
 in mind, the desponding girl vv^ould fain have laid 
 her down to die. 
 
 But that was not the object of her tormentors. 
 After a seclusion of several weeks, during which 
 she was reduced to the brink of the grave, direc- 
 tions were given to relax the severity of her con- 
 finement : she was permitted to breathe the fresh 
 air ; and, as soon as she was able, to accompany 
 the graver and elder of her fellow-slaves abroad 
 upon their several errands. In time the strength 
 of her constitution prevailed over the effects of 
 cruel treatment : her strength returned ; and if not 
 cheerful, she attained at least a calmness, or ra*- 
 ther apathy of mind, which, like the eye of one in 
 a reverie, regarded the future with vacant listless- 
 ness. Gradually the restraints imposed upon her 
 conduct were still more relaxed; and insensibly 
 she resumed her former habits and duties.
 
 220 THE PERSIAN 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 STORY OF HOOSSEINEE, CONTINUED, 
 
 Many weary months now elapsed, and Hoos- 
 seinee had received no tidings of her lover ; she 
 knew not whether he still existed upon earth, or 
 had gone to share the joys of the just in Paradise. 
 One day, when executing a commission for her 
 mistress, in company vvdth another slave, they were 
 returning to the kallah through a retired part of 
 the town ; their attention was attracted by some 
 of those sounds by which dervishes generally 
 intimate their approach ; and scarcely had she 
 reached a turn in the lane, when two of these 
 wandering saints met them full in the face. '^ Hoh ! 
 there, khanums, in the name of the blessed Allee ! 
 from whose tomb we have just returned, bestow 
 your charity upon two poor houseless wanderers, 
 who will never cease to pray Allah to bless yoii 
 with good husbands and plenty of children. — 
 Good lady," continued the speaker, attaching
 
 ADVENTURER. 221 
 
 himself to Hoosseinee's companion, " beautiful 
 and pious as I know you to be, you will not 
 grudge a few shahees for this tusbee, formed of 
 the most holy clay of Karbelah ; or this potent 
 talisman, stamped with the signet of the great 
 Solymaun. It is sovereign against the influence 
 of the evil eye, and confirms the virtue of fortu- 
 nate days and hours ; — see ! it was drawn forth by a 
 spell from beneath one of the pillars of the Tucht- 
 ■e-Jumsheed ! — La-illah-il-ullah !" 
 
 While her companion, flattered by the fakeer's 
 address, and interested by the curiosities he dis- 
 played or described, permitted her attention to be 
 fully occupied, the other dervish approaching 
 Hoosseinee, and addressing her with a hoarse 
 voice, in the common cant of their profession, en- 
 deavoured to attract her observation. Indifferent 
 and uninterested, however, and disgusted by his 
 dirty figure, bedaubed with ashes, and hung round 
 with rags and patches, she fain would have hur- 
 ried away from him ; but having succeeded in se- 
 parating her a few paces from her fellow-slave, 
 he changed his tone, as well as his manner, and in 
 a voice which, though Httle louder than a whisper, 
 pierced through her very soul. " Have a care, 
 Hoosseinee," said he; " be prudent, for God's sake ! 
 look at me ; hsten to me ; but restrain yourself. 
 Hoosseinee, dear Hoosseinee, it is Noor Mahomed 
 who speaks I"
 
 222 THE PERSIAN 
 
 What a moment was that for the trembhng girl : 
 a thunderbolt could not have stunned her more 
 effectually than these few words from one whom 
 she believed dead, or gone for ever from her : her 
 head swam round, and she would have fallen at 
 his feet, but he caught her by the arm, and sus- 
 tained her till consciousness returned. 
 
 Well was it that the attention of her companion 
 was so intently occupied, and that her lover and 
 she had fallen a little behind : my sister's disorder 
 passed unheeded, save by him who had caused it ; 
 and he, made prudent by bitter experience, did 
 not venture to evince the smallest alarm. In a few 
 seconds the faintness passed away; the whispered 
 caution, ^' if you value your own life or mine, be 
 firm," restored her to self-possession : joy and 
 hope darted into her breast, and strung her nerves 
 to the urgency of the moment. *' Oh, Heaven ! 
 then you live ! — you have escaped !" — " Hush ! — 
 yes, Hoosseinee, I have ; but we have not a mo- 
 ment to lose : — listen with attention, — mark well 
 what I say : — the fate of both may depend on it. 
 You see yon small ruined mosque there, down 
 yon dark lane ? observe, you can see its broken 
 dome over that mud wall, — you know it?' — "Yes, 
 it is the Musjid-e-heft Peeraun, is it not?" — 
 "The same; — ^you know it is a solitary unfre- 
 quented place?" — " Yes," rephed my sister, with 
 an involuntary shudder. — " The better suited to
 
 ADVENTURER. 223 
 
 our purpose, Hoosseinee. On entering the mosque, 
 as you go towards the old mimber,* you will see 
 a small door-way on the left ; it leads to a court, 
 surrounded with cells, once intended for the use 
 of khadums jf some of these cells are half closed 
 with mud and broken bricks; and above the 
 second from the centre you will see fixed a small 
 red rag. For six days to come, I will watch there 
 from the third hour after morning prayer till mid- 
 day ; and from the hour of evening till that of 
 morning prayer. You, Hoosseinee, if, as I hope, 
 you prefer the arms of a fond lover and faithful 
 husband to the tyranny of a cruel heartless 
 mistress, must seize the earliest moment wh^n 
 your absence may pass unheeded for a while, to 
 gain that spot. If, from any unforeseen cause, 
 I should not be in waiting to receive you, lie quietly 
 in the cell I have described; nothing will dis- 
 turb you there." — '' Oh, Noor Mahomed !" gasped 
 the terrified girl, breathless at the boldness of his 
 project, — *^ I cannot — I dare not ; my head fails 
 me at the very thought." — " Never say so, sweet 
 Hoosseinee," returned the young man with flashing 
 eyes. — ** You, the daughter of a warrior! sprung 
 from a warlike tribe ! — think ! — let the prospect of 
 freedom excite you, if the fate of your lover fails 
 to do so ; for, if my hope is disappointed, I will 
 
 * Pulpit. t Officiating servants. 
 
 I
 
 224 THE PERSIAN 
 
 not endure life: nay, it will not be left in my 
 choice : — promise then !" — *'0h, but that dread- 
 ful place ! how can I? — at night too!" — "Ay, 
 Hoosseinee, night is the best ; and the place with 
 all its horrors is our best friend : such only as 
 you now see with me ever approach its walls ; 
 and these are now my friends. But see ! your 
 companion seeks you : I must leave you. Re- 
 member the life of Noor Mahomed and the li- 
 berty and happiness of Hoosseinee depend upon 
 her firmness and exertion. May Allah ever guard 
 her !" 
 
 The dervish, who had fixed upon my sister's 
 companion, had by this time most probably ex- 
 hausted her curiosity and charity together; for 
 she paused until her fellow-slave should join her. 
 The two dervishes then quitted them, and turning 
 down the lane which led to the ruined mosque, 
 disappeared, roaring out their cry of " Yah Al- 
 lah !—huk ! huk!" 
 
 ** Strange rogues, strange rogues, these fakeers," 
 observed the old slave, shaking her head with a 
 dubious expression, as if not altogether certain 
 whether to be satisfied with every thing she had 
 heard. " If one could only beUeve what they 
 say ! It is said they can read the stars, and pre- 
 dict future events : and if so ; — they deal in spells 
 too ! Holy Prophet, preserve us from magicians ! 
 And what have you got, Hoosseinee, or what have 
 
 •
 
 ADVENTURER. 225 
 
 you heard ? was your fellow also a seller of good 
 luck and talismans? what is to be your fate? 
 Not a pleasant one, if we may judge from your 
 countenance : — eh V — ^^ Tchah, Meertha, what 
 nonsense V replied my sister, trembling still more 
 at her remark ; '^ who would be fool enough to 
 lend an ear to the words of such cheats ? they 
 only want to wheedle a little money from us, 
 that's all ; and you know I have little to spare, 
 God help me!" — '* Hoh ! I see : poor thing! — no 
 good news for you : that must be bought dear, 
 like other good things. I pity you truly : see what 
 a line talisman I have got ! it is a ruby, — a pure 
 ruby : — no doubt it belonged to Jumsheed himself; 
 for it was found at the Tuckt-e-Jumsheed, with a 
 heap of other rich things, he said. Ay ! and it keeps 
 off the evil eye. I wish I had got it ten years 
 ago, when my poor baby was smitten ! I should 
 not have been a slave now, if it had thriven, 
 perhaps ; — but, never mind, — all in good time, may 
 be. (This was uttered in rather an under tone.) 
 Well, after all, the man let me have it for — how 
 much do you think ? — why, for six abbases only ! 
 — is it not a bargain? — see here !" 
 
 While she run on thus Hoosseinee was gradually 
 recovering composure ; she took the bit of red 
 glass which the fakeer had imposed upon poor 
 Meertha for a ruby, and hung over it as if to admire 
 its beauty and lustre, but in truth to divert the 
 
 I
 
 226 THE PERSIAN 
 
 attention of her companion from herself. As they 
 proceeded, however, Meertha continuing the sub- 
 ject, appeared all at once to recollect the length of 
 time which Hoosseinee had continued in conversa- 
 tion with her dervish ; and insisted on hearing some 
 of the particulars, so pertinaciously, that the poor 
 girPs confusion would in all probability have ex- 
 cited the suspicion of her companion, had they not 
 arrived opportunely at the gate of the kallah. It 
 may be easily imagined how much relieved my 
 sister was when Meertha, turning to her as they 
 entered, observed that there was no need of men- 
 tioning the incident which had occurred on the way. 
 Full cheerfully did she promise secresy, and she 
 repaired to her usual duties, pondering on all that 
 had passed ; but still too much stunned by the 
 interview with her lover, and above all with his 
 bold proposal, to think of it as aught but the dream 
 of a disordered brain, — a scheme too wild and 
 visionary to be entertained for a moment as prac- 
 ticable. 
 
 Joy, like sorrow, is often an enemy to rest. The 
 delight of knowing that her lover still lived, and 
 still loved her so faithfully, was too poignant ; and 
 the crowd of contending and perplexing considera- 
 tions, arising out of all that passed in her interview 
 with him, were far too overpowering to admit of 
 sleep. Restless and wakeful, she lay ruminating 
 over every word he had uttered, and her thoughts 
 
 I
 
 ADVENTURER. 227 
 
 would still revert to the proposal of escape he had 
 suggested, and the promise he had endeavoured to 
 exact from her. Escape ! deliverance from a thral- 
 dom which, always severe, had of late become almost 
 intolerable ; and happiness with the only being 
 who had ever loved her, were implied in that single 
 word ! A thrill of undefinable emotion shot through 
 her frame at this conclusion, which, the more she 
 dwelt upon the subject, became the more palpable. 
 The extravagance — the impracticability of the mea- 
 sure, appeared by degrees to diminish, and before 
 the dawn of morning it dwelt upon her mind as a 
 thing not only to be anxiously desired, but, if cir- 
 cumstances should prove favourable, to be boldly 
 and zealously attempted. 
 
 But how to ascertain whether so favourable a 
 conjunction might be looked for, — how were the 
 particulars of the plan to be ascertained ? There 
 was no other way than to seek the appointed spot of 
 rendezvous, and learn them from Noor Mahomed 
 himself. Such a step did not pledge her to uncon- 
 ditional consent; it was but a preliminary measure, 
 which might be followed up or retracted at plea- 
 sure. 
 
 Still this preliminary step involved considerations 
 which were alarming to so young and inexperienced 
 a creature as Hoosseinee, and she shrunk with the 
 natural timidity of a woman, as the moment for 
 action approached, and the dangers with which it 
 
 I
 
 228 THE PERSIAN 
 
 teemed became more palpably apparent. Although 
 she enjoyed more liberty at this time than at any 
 period since her disgrace, she knew well that her 
 conduct was still subject to suspicious vigilance, 
 and that it would be impossible for her to be absent 
 for any considerable length of time without inquiry; 
 and the smallest suspicion might cause utter ruin, 
 or even the cruellest death, to her lover and herself. 
 Besides, that mosque — that terrible mosque, — to 
 visit it unperceived by day would, she knew, be 
 impossible ; and by night — her courage failed her 
 at the bare idea. 
 
 It was a building of great antiquity ; its peculiar 
 style of architecture — the materials of which it was 
 built — the inscriptions upon its walls from the 
 Kor^n, done in coloured bricks, of which the gay 
 lacquering had crumbled off from age, declared it 
 to be the work of those sturdy Arabian heroes 
 who (blessed be the Almighty for it ! ) first intro- 
 duced our sacred religion into Iraun. Holy and 
 sacred as the place had once been esteemed, it was 
 now totally deserted, and had become the theme 
 of many a fearful legend. Afoul and bloody mur- 
 der, of which it was once the scene, had caused 
 this change. The story was as follows : — 
 
 An aged hadjee with his two sons, natives of 
 the city of Bockhara, arrived at Diroom, on their 
 return from Mecca. They were reputed to be 
 wealthy, and the equipage of the travellers cor- 
 
 I
 
 ADVENTURER. 229 
 
 roborated the report. But they were Soonnies — 
 accursed Soonnies — enemies to the Sheah faith : 
 nevertheless, as pilgrims from the holy shrine, — 
 as men who had faced the dangers of the desert- 
 traversed thousands of fursungs to behold the sacred 
 caabah, to rub their beards upon the threshold of 
 the thrice holy tomb, — against them the door of 
 hospitality might never be shut. They were lodged 
 in a principal caravanserai ; but the chief moollah 
 of that very mosque entertained them in his own 
 house, on the very evening before they were to 
 resume their journey. 
 
 It is said that a long discussion respecting the 
 different points of their respective religious tenets 
 took place between the old man and his host, and 
 that the latter, a man of sullen and haughty temper, 
 was greatly irritated by the mild firmness with 
 which his guest maintained his own opinions. 
 But the moollah smoothed his brow, exchanged 
 courteous greetings with his guest when he rose to 
 depart, and commended him and his sons solemnly 
 to the care of God, as they quitted his roof. 
 
 Motives of religion, as it appeared, had induced 
 the old man and his family to visit the mosque at 
 midnight; and his servants received a message 
 desiring them to load their beasts and go forth from 
 the city that night, as their master wished to con- 
 tinue his journey without the delay of loading, 
 immediately after morning prayers. The men 
 
 »
 
 230 
 
 THE PERSIAN 
 
 obeyed, and the loaded beasts with their attend- 
 ants, issuing from the gates which were opened 
 for the purpose by special order, proceeded to await 
 their master in a small plain just beyond the walls. 
 But, strange and fearful to tell, they were never 
 more seen or heard of. — Sounds, indeed, of an 
 ominous nature, cries and groans, mingled with the 
 shouts of the servants, and tinkling of the camels' 
 bells, came to the ears of those who drowsily 
 watched on the walls ; but they were taken for the 
 bustle and the uproar of the party decamping, and 
 no attention was paid to them. 
 
 But when morning broke, and the cry of the 
 muezzins had announced the hour of prayer, a 
 sound of horror and affright arose within the walls, 
 and crowds were seen hurrjring to the Musjid-e- 
 heft Peeraun. The cause was soon made known ; 
 for upon the stone pavement in the arcade, to the 
 left of the mimber, lay the corses of the old man 
 and his two sons, cold, stiff, and horribly disfigured, 
 weltering in their blood, which was clotted around 
 them in thick streams. 
 
 Upon examination, it appeared that the old man 
 had been killed outright by heavy blows on the 
 head; but one of the sons had drawn his khunjur, 
 and probably made a powerful resistance, for he 
 was yet more fearfully mangled by dagger-wounds 
 in the body, while his right hand still clenched his 
 own weapon. Of the murderers no trace was ever 
 
 I
 
 ADVENTURER. 231 
 
 found, although much pains, it is said, was taken 
 to discover them : but the deed was laid to the 
 door of certain robbers who haunted the neigh- 
 bourhood, and who, doubtless, had heard of the 
 old man's wealth, and concerted this plan to get 
 possession of it. 
 
 However the truth might be, the occurrence was 
 fatal to the mosque and its establishment. No one 
 chose to frequent a place which had been polluted 
 by so foul a murder, and it soon was totally de- 
 serted. On the chief moollah this desertion had 
 a striking effect : he never again held up his head. 
 He might be seen passing along the streets, or 
 walking in the neighbouring gardens, with a long 
 tusbee in his hand, and his head sunk upon his 
 breast ; at times starting, and looking behind him, 
 as if alarmed ; then hurrying forward in total ab- 
 straction. Men shunned him too ; from what cause 
 was never declared. He lived abandoned and 
 unnoticed ; and so poignantly did he feel this loss 
 of his great popularity, that he drooped, and died 
 a f^ years after, as was affirmed, in great mental 
 and bodily anguish. 
 
 All the rest of the mooUahs and khadums who 
 had ministered in the mosque quitted it one after 
 another, and from being a place of worship more 
 holy than any other in Diroom, it not only lost its 
 sacred character, but became an object of super- 
 
 I
 
 232 THE PERSIAN 
 
 stitious dread and abhorrence ; for evil spirits were 
 said to have taken up their abode within its walls, 
 where they howled all night, and watched to de- 
 stroy any being of the race of Adam who should 
 venture to intrude upon their haunts. The whole 
 quarter of the city participated in this mysterious 
 influence; the houses around it were gradually 
 abandoned, and fell into ruins ; and even at the 
 present time, no one, however poor, will take up 
 his abode in the vicinity of the Musjid-e-heft 
 Peeraun. The only human beings who approach 
 the place are dervishes, callunders, or fakeers ; 
 men who, by dint of prayer and self-denial, have 
 acquired a certain power over evil spirits ; of such 
 persons it is often made the home, and they re- 
 main in it unmolested. 
 
 To this spot, accursed as it was, and notoriously 
 the abode of evil spirits, was my sister required to 
 repair at dead of night : nor were the only human 
 beings she was likely to meet with there, better 
 calculated to inspire a young girl with the confi- 
 dence she required. Bold and licentious as persons 
 of their profession too often are, if she should 
 chance to reach the place in her lover's absence, 
 what might she not have to apprehend ? No won- 
 der then, that her reluctance to a measure, which 
 must expose her to such perils, was almost insu- 
 perable : she had yet to learn how distant and 
 
 1
 
 ADVENTURER. 233 
 
 contingent evils shrink into insignificance in the 
 presence of closely impending danger. 
 
 Two days passed away, and the succeeding night 
 found Hoosseinee as much perplexed and undeter- 
 mined as ever. It is true, no opportunity of visit- 
 ing the mosque had occurred, even had she been 
 disposed to attempt it : but to resolve on making 
 the attempt was beyond her power. An incident, 
 however, occurred, which forced her to make a 
 quick decision. 
 
 The khanum had invited several of the princi- 
 pal ladies of Diroom to a feast. The entertain- 
 ment was magnificent; and all the slaves of the 
 family were summoned to attend the guests. When 
 the trays of meat had been removed, and calleeoons* 
 were called for, my sister, whose duty it was to 
 hand these pipes to the guests, heard the khanum 
 observe to the principal lady, who sat next to her- 
 self, ^' Now you shall judge for yourself; you will 
 find whether I speak the truth." And each, with- 
 out delay, applied herself zealously to inhale the 
 contents of their respective instruments. But 
 scarcely had a few whiffs been drawn, when the 
 face of her mistress suddenly darkened with an- 
 ger. She called the poor girl forward, and ad- 
 dressed her furiously : — " How, wretch ! what stuff 
 is this you dare to give my friends and me to 
 smoke? this is none of the khojah's tobacco." 
 Her heart sunk at these words ; for she recollected 
 
 \
 
 234 THE PERSIAN 
 
 that the remainder of some fine Sheerauz tobacco, 
 which her mistress had received from a merchant 
 of that place, had been unaccountably purloined, 
 while in her charge as keeper of the khanum's 
 calleeoon. It was a trifling matter ; but with her 
 mistress no fault was a trifle ; and she had never 
 dared to mention the theft, nor had the affair 
 been brought to notice until this unlucky day, 
 when she had been forced to charge the calleeoons 
 of her mistress and her friends with an inferior 
 article* 
 
 Poor Hoosseinee hung her head, unable to 
 reply ; but this increased the khanum's fury. 
 *' Kumbucht ! haramzadeh !'* cried she, " you 
 have robbed me, I am certain of it." — '^ Your 
 slave would represent, that the khanum's tobacco 
 was exhausted." — " It is a lie, and you know it !" 
 exclaimed the lady, furiously hurling at her slave 
 the head of the pipe, which she had just taken 
 off". ** You have stolen it for yourself, and your 
 vile companions ! — hold your tongue, shameless ! 
 Here, Massuah ! Goolrez ! shut her mouth with 
 the slipper." Quick as lightning the ready mi- 
 nisters of her wrath rushed from the passage 
 where they always awaited her commands ; the 
 poor girl's arms were seized, and the iron-heeled 
 shpper applied, till her mouth gushed out with 
 blood. ** Hoh ! get sticks there ! let her be 
 beaten soundly; or stay — as she likes tobacco. 
 
 !
 
 ADVENTURER. 235 
 
 she shall have it in abundance." But the prin- 
 cipal guest now interfered. '' I beseech you, 
 khanum/' said she, '' forgive the poor thing, she 
 has got punishment enough." — " Forgive her! 
 the impudent hussy! — the insolent thief! she 
 deserves to lose her ears ; and she shall feel it : 
 but, I beg pardon ; — for your sake, not to disturb 
 the pleasure of our guests this night; she shall 
 be let alone just now. Retire, vile one; but re- 
 member I am in your debt, and I do not often 
 fail to pay." 
 
 The trembling Hoosseinee retired, led by the 
 two female guards ; who, pushing her rudely into 
 the outer passage, left her to find her way to the 
 slave quarter of the palace. '* Great God !" cried 
 she, in anguish and terror, when she found her- 
 self alone, ^' what will become of me? nothing 
 but punishment and misery; mutilation probably, 
 and soon death itself! — Death! Ah! Noor Ma- 
 homed, we shall never meet again !" The re- 
 membrance of their last interview was instantly 
 suggested by the name of her lover; a sudden 
 thought flashed through her brain. — *' Not meet 
 again ! and why ? at least the effort may be made ; 
 my case is desperate ; but, thanks to my cruel op- 
 pressor, my courage shall be found equal to it. If 
 I am to perish, it shall be in the attempt to re- 
 ward the fidelity of one who risks his life for me, 
 and not to glut the cruelty of a tyrannical mis- 
 
 I
 
 236 THE PERSIAN 
 
 tress." Her breast burned with renewed hope 
 and energy: she could feel her cheek glow, and 
 her eye flash with the resolution born of despair. 
 At that moment her character underwent a change, 
 as complete as it was instantaneous ; the timid 
 slave became at once the freeborn, intrepid daugh- 
 ter of warriors ; and she felt as if she could have 
 braved the sternest frown of her persecutors. *^ I 
 can but fail," said she, internally, as she reached 
 her own apartment ; '^ and if Allah befriends the 
 unfortunate, or upholds the just cause, why should 
 we not succeed ? in Allah's name, then, will I make 
 the attempt." 
 
 In this resolution she put on her half veil, took 
 her cloak and slippers, and with a basket in 
 her hand, went boldly to the gate of the kallah, 
 as if she had been going abroad upon some or- 
 dinary errand. It was two hours after the time of 
 evening prayer. The night was dark ; and as she 
 attempted to pass the wicket of the closed gates, 
 the sentinel on duty stopped her. 
 
 *^ Whither go you at this hour ?" inquired he. 
 '^ What is that to you ?" returned she, with an air of 
 unconcern ; " I am on my mistress's business. 
 You know me for the khanum's slave ; — let me 
 pass." — " That may be true," returned the soldier ; 
 '* but my orders are to let no woman pass after the 
 second hour of the night without a special token : 
 so produce your token or go back." — *^Very
 
 ADVENTURER. 237 
 
 well," replied Hoosseinee, struggling to conceal 
 her disappointment. " You may send me back, 
 it is true, but the khanum will thank you but 
 little for keeping her guests waiting. They have 
 sent me to the Attaurs* for certain perfumes and 
 sherbets, required for the ladies who are feasting 
 with the khanum ; and you know she is not very 
 patient under delay. But I shall faithfully report 
 the cause." 
 
 The assumed air of indifference and contempt 
 with which she turned, as if to go back, induced 
 the sentinel, who probably dreaded the conse- 
 quence of his incivihty, to hesitate. It did not 
 escape my sister's penetration ; and at that mo- 
 ment recollecting that she had about her the small 
 keys, hung by a silver chain, which, as an at- 
 tendant on the khanum's person, she usually had 
 in charge, she produced this symbol of office in 
 hopes of overthrowing his wavering resolution. 
 " Ah ! I forgot," she said, " perhaps you will 
 acknowledge these, and save yourself a beating." 
 — '^ It is sufficient," replied he, drawing back 
 with respect, and opening the wicket. '^ Pardon 
 my rudeness ; — soldiers must obey their orders ; — 
 but pass in peace." 
 
 By this time several of the guards, attracted by 
 the altercation, had assembled at the door of the 
 guard-room. And though none of them interfered 
 
 * Druggist.
 
 238 THE PERSIAN 
 
 in the dispute, my sister did not fail to remark, 
 that one among them regarded her half-concealed 
 face with a look of peculiar meaning ; and that 
 instead of returning with the rest to the guard- 
 room, the man quitting his companions, retired into 
 the body of the kallah just as she passed through 
 the wicket : but absorbed in her own more agi- 
 tating reflections, she paid little attention to the 
 circumstance, and only thought of making her 
 way to the Musjid-e-heft Peeraun. 
 
 The clouds which mustered round a moon, far' 
 advanced in her first quarter, lent to the night a 
 misty indistinctness scarcely less dreary or per- 
 plexing than the blacker obscurity of a moonless 
 sky ; and the sudden though faint bursts of light 
 which flashed for an instant through the driving 
 rack, gave a tenfold darkness to the long intervals 
 which succeeded. In spite of all her high excite- 
 ment and newly acquired courage, my sister's 
 heart beat violently as she threaded the long 
 narrow streets ; and when she reached the en- 
 trance of the dark alley, and saw the black dome 
 rising dimJy against the thick grey sky, a chill of 
 horror crept through her veins, and she almost 
 fancied, that in the wild fantastic forms of the 
 clouds, as they whirled along on the wings of a 
 fierce wind, she saw the spirits of evil which 
 haunted that fearful place sporting in the pre- 
 cincts of their own domain.
 
 ADVENTURER. 239 
 
 Her resolution faultered for a moment, and she 
 almost forgot the real dangers from which she 
 had fled, in the fancied horrors that now sur- 
 rounded her. It was only for a moment. The 
 khanum's fury, and the endearments of Noor Ma- 
 homed, came at once to confirm her purpose. 
 *' No, no," she mentally exclaimed, ^^ the worst, 
 — ^the worst that can happen here, is better than 
 the best I can look for yonder." The sound of 
 approaching feet served to quicken her motions, 
 •and she boldly plunged into the alley, and stum- 
 bling over the ruins with which it was strewed, 
 never stopped until she reached the entrance of 
 the mosque. 
 
 All there was dark and silent as the grave ; — , 
 the stillness weighed like lead upon her breast, as 
 she listened with intense anxiety for a human 
 sound ; — but none came. Mustering her spirits 
 with a powerful effort, she entered the arched door- 
 way, and the echo of her own light and timid steps 
 was still the only sound. Blackness was all 
 around, except when a faint gleam from the lurid 
 sky fell through the rents of the dome upon the 
 old mimber, marking its jutting points with 
 ghastly indistinctness. 
 
 '^ This is too horrible," murmured the terrified 
 girl : — ** alone in this den of murder and of evil 
 spirits ! I cannot bear it !" At that instant a 
 short but brilliant burst of moonUght flashed
 
 240 THE PERSIAN 
 
 through the ruined dome, discovering both arcades ; 
 and aided by its momentary ray, she gained the 
 door-way that led to the court beyond. A broken 
 cistern, half filled with dust and fragments of brick, 
 occupied the centre space, and the arched entrances 
 to the various cells yawned black around, — all 
 but one ; and from it, through the crevices of an 
 ill-built breastwork of rubbish the feeble rays of 
 a glimmering lamp struggled to force their way. 
 
 Indescribably cheered by this token of human 
 presence, and forgetting the preconcerted signal, 
 Hoosseinee approached the welcome light ; but 
 yielding to an instinctive feeling of caution, she 
 paused to examine the cell through some of the 
 crevices in the wall before venturing to enter it. 
 This imperfect survey, however, served but to 
 satisfy her that the cell was of small dimensions, 
 and dark and dismal, in spite of the little iron 
 lamp, which, stuck in a niche of the wall, threw 
 its dim light over the thick atmosphere of 
 the apartment. Naked and smoky walls, a floor 
 littered with some half rotten straw, and having 
 a bit of worm-eaten numud spread along one of 
 its sides, a bundle or two of dirty clothes, some 
 sticks, such as dervishes carry, a few matchlocks, 
 and a sword, made up the list of what she could 
 discover in the place. The survey was not invit- 
 ing; but her case was urgent, and it was the 
 rendezvous appointed: by Noor Mahomed himself.
 
 ADVENTURER. 241 
 
 who, according to his promise, if not there at the 
 moment, would certainly soon make his appear- 
 ance. In this spot, therefore, she resolved to 
 await his arrival ; and accordingly, lifting to one 
 side a mat which hung over the low contracted 
 door-way, she entered, made one step forward, 
 and then stopped motionless ; her blood curdling 
 in her veins, and her very hair rising on end with 
 indescribable horror. 
 
 Her worst fears seemed realised ; for there, in 
 one corner just opposite the lamp, which threw its 
 yellow sickly beams full on the mysterious object, 
 sat a half-naked figure bearing some resemblance 
 to the human shape, but of aspect so appalHng and 
 so wild in its attire, that no' stretch of the imagina* 
 tion was required to take it for one of the evil spirits 
 said to haunt that accursed spot. The figure sat 
 motionless as an image cut in stone, with its long 
 lean naked limbs crossed beneath its meagre 
 body, and that body was placed bolt upright 
 against the bare wall, having one arm raised and 
 clenched over its elevated head ; its eyes were 
 turned upwards until the whites alone were visible 
 beneath the lids and deep over-hanging brows : 
 nor did the noise of Hoosseinee's entrance pro- 
 duce the smallest change of position or sign of 
 consciousness. Naturally dark in colour, the body 
 and limbs were thickly smeared with grey ashes ; 
 and streaks of blood, at that time black and clot- 
 
 VOL. I. L
 
 242 THE PERSIAN 
 
 ted, had trickled from gashes which still yawned 
 red and ghastly upon its arms and skeleton-like 
 bosom, both of which were sprinkled with long 
 curled grey hairs : around the head was twisted 
 a confused mass of hair, mingled with ashes, dirt, 
 and rags. Thus grisly and disgusting, did this 
 being sit in fixed abstraction ; and but for the 
 scarcely perceptible heavings of his breast, it 
 might have been taken for the corse of some 
 murdered man torn from its premature grave, 
 or his spirit sent on earth to await its final doom. 
 Horror-struck at this unexpected vision, the 
 first impulse of Hoosseinee was to quit the place 
 and flee ; but awe or terror had bereft her for the 
 time of all power to move, and in spite of herself 
 she stood rooted to the spot gazing upon the ter- 
 rible phantom. Still no motion was to be per- 
 ceived ; — still it maintained the same fixed posi- 
 tion and impressive silent abstraction. Reason 
 now gradually resumed her functions, and a ray 
 of the truth flashed upon the mind of the terrified 
 girl ; she knew that the place was frequented by 
 fakeers, and she had heard of the extraordinary 
 austerities and penances which some of these 
 ascetics impose upon themselves. It was plain 
 that she now saw one of these holy men in the 
 act of tupussia,* or abstract contemplation of the 
 
 * For an account of this singular description of religious fana- 
 ticism, see Malcolm's History of Persia, 8vo. ed. p. 4.
 
 ADVENTURER. 243 
 
 Divinity. From him there could be no danger j 
 on the contrary, she felt that the sacredness of his 
 occupation might prove a powerful protection in 
 case of insult from other quarters. 
 
 Timidly advancing, and with a profound obei- 
 sance, she addressed the repulsive form : — '^ Fa- 
 ther," she said, ^' deign to shelter and assist a 
 wretched female who implores your aid." No 
 answer was returned — not a muscle moved — the 
 eyes still wore their preternatural glassy glare, 
 fixed and distorted, as if the last agony was past, 
 and they were set in death. — ^^ Oh, holy man !" 
 ejaculated she yet more earnestly, with clasped 
 hands, and eyes almost starting from their sock- 
 ets, as she advanced yet another step toward.s 
 him ; ** do not, oh ! do not reject my prayer !" — ; 
 but she was interrupted by the sound of voices 
 and the tread of approaching footstepfe. The glare 
 of torches flashed on the outward walls. " Oh 
 God, I am discovered ! — Save me, father ! save 
 me, or I am lost !" cried the bewildered Hoos- 
 seinee, as instinctively rushing past him into the 
 extreme corner of the cell, she shrank behind 
 some old mats that were piled against the wall. 
 
 Neither the precipitate rashness of her action, 
 nor the increasing noise of the approaching party 
 produced the least effect upon the abstracted 
 saint. The mental as well as the bodily eye was 
 strained upwards i,n holy rapture, and was equally
 
 244 THE PERSIAN 
 
 insensible to all that passed around him. And 
 now with what agony did the poor fugitive dis- 
 tinguish the words of those without, which too 
 surely proved them to be her pursuers. *^ Search 
 these ruins narrowly — seek through all the neigh- 
 bouring buildings : they are certainly hereabouts. 
 See that they do not escape by any of these 
 passages. — Caussim, stay you in the alley with a 
 torch ; — here, Mahomed Allee, watch this door ; — 
 Hussan and Hyder, come in with me. — See ! here 
 is the very place ; this cell here — examine it 
 well ; — no ! here it is — here, quick ! — the torch, the 
 torch!" — and Hoosseinee heard the tramphng 
 and the buzz of the searchers, as they separated 
 each to his charge, and she gave herself up for 
 lost. 
 
 The search continued briskly for some time ; 
 so long indeed that she almost began to hope 
 that they had overlooked her hiding-place ; when 
 at length the torches having been carried in other 
 directions, the feeble light of the small lamp, 
 which till then had been overpowered by their glare, 
 caught the eye of one among the party. " What 
 have we here V said he. " Quick, Hussan ! bring 
 the torch ! — here's a hole we have not looked into 
 yet : the sly foxes may be here ;" and up he 
 rushed to the entrance, followed by Hussan with 
 the torch, and tore down the matted screen. 
 
 The same unearthly death-like figure which
 
 ADVENTURER. 245 
 
 had appalled my sister produced now a like 
 effect upon her pursuers. They started back. — 
 " Stakfur ullah ! what is this ? a gin or a deev?'* 
 and they retreated with all speed ; but half 
 ashamed at their terror, they rallied at the en- 
 trance, and cast another look behind them. — " Pider 
 soochteh !*^ its but an old rascal after all," ex- 
 claimed one, as his eye fell on the details of the 
 human form ; ^' but he's dead, I think.'' — '^ No, 
 no, Hussan ! let him alone in the Prophet's name ; 
 this is no game for us. It is an old fakeer at 
 tupussia : — don't bring down ill luck or his curse 
 upon us by disturbing him ; — they can't be here ;" 
 and the men were moving off, when the leader of 
 the party coming up called out — " What is the 
 meaning of this, comrades ? what ails you now ? 
 fine fellows you for a close search !'" They told 
 him what they had seen. '^ By the head of 
 Allee, you are bold youths to be frightened at an 
 old fakeer ! but let me pass — saint or devil, see 
 whether I don't search every corner of his hole 
 with the point of my dagger \" 
 
 Again did the blood of Hoosseinee run cold, for 
 the voice was that of her master's son ; the wicked, 
 the devihsh Moochtar Beg— *the author of all her 
 misery, and of her lover's disgrace : she knew 
 his active maUce, and despaired of escape. The 
 crisis in truth drew near. Rushing boldly for- 
 
 * May his father be burned ! — a term of sibuse.
 
 246 THE PERSIAN 
 
 ward he entered the cell, followed once more 
 by his two associates. But even he was arrested 
 by awe and superstitious dread, and paused ir- 
 resolute ; for still fixed and silent as the dead was 
 the figure of the fakeer. 
 
 His irresolution was but momentary. Deter- 
 mined to push his inquiries to the uttermost, and 
 ashamed that his followers should see in him the 
 smallest symptom of that weakness which he had 
 scoflTed at in them, he advanced towards the im- 
 movable being, and addressing it in haughty and 
 insolent terms, demanded if any one had entered 
 the cell ? INTo answer was returned, nor did the 
 quiver of a single muscle betoken the least con- 
 sciousness of the inquiry. Again, more loudly and 
 impatiently was the question put: a pause en- 
 sued, and still there was no answer. Furious at 
 such contemptuous neglect, the young man made 
 a step to drag the object of his anger from his 
 seat, when both ear and hand were arrested by a 
 loud shout or rather yell, uttered by three wild-look- 
 ing naked fakeers, who rushing into the cell, and 
 pushing aside the two attendants, seized Mouchtar 
 Beg by the arm, and threw him violently back 
 towards the door-way. *^ Allah -hu-akber ! yah 
 Allee ! yah Hyder ! — what sacrilege is this ? — 
 what madmen — what ruffian have we here V ex- 
 claimed they, rending the air with their wild cries. 
 
 Stunned and confounded by the suddenness of
 
 ADVENTURER. 247 
 
 the action, the young man felt for his sword ; and 
 his attendants, till then irresolute, prepared to 
 defend their master ; when one of the fakeers, 
 with an air of lofty authority under which the 
 boldest of them quailed, ordered them back, and 
 commanded silence. ^^ What are ye, men ?• — are 
 ye kaffers, infidels, that ye thus insult a ser- 
 vant of the most high in his holiest exercise ? — Are 
 ye mad or desperate, that ye brave the fearful 
 consequences of breaking the mysterious abstrac- 
 tion which now unites that being to his God ? 
 Lay but a hand upon his person, and it will 
 wither to the shoulder I — rouse but these eyes from 
 their holy abstraction, and their glance will strike 
 you dead ! — Happy is it for you that my presence 
 has prevented this impious crime and your awful 
 punishment ! Depart ! — depart !" His wild ma- 
 jestic figure dilated as he thundered forth these 
 denunciations in tones that penetrated the souls 
 of his hearers. Trembling and astonished, they 
 shrunk without a word from the cell, which was 
 now left in possession of the fakeers alone. 
 
 No sooner had the sound of their retiring foot- 
 steps announced that the intruders had not only 
 quitted the court but the mosque, than he of the 
 fakeers, whose words had caused their flight, ap- 
 proached to the spot where Hoosseinee lay 
 concealed ; and removing the mats, which had till 
 then screened her from view, addressed her thus : —
 
 248 THE PERSIAN 
 
 " Daughter, come forth ! — your enemies have de- 
 parted. With us you are in safety ; but the air of 
 this cell is not for females to breathe : repair in 
 confidence to your appointed place ; and behold, 
 here is one who has waited for you long, and is 
 still ready to guide you to liberty and happiness." 
 Amazed no less at this ready discovery of her 
 hiding-place than at the words of the fakeer, the 
 poor girl stood lost in doubt ; till a voice at the 
 door of the cell roused her to recollection, and 
 springing forward towards it, she fell into the 
 arms of her lover. 
 
 The joy, the rapturous assurances of happiness 
 and security, which now rushed upon her mind, 
 combined with the severe agitation she had pre- 
 viously suffered, completely overcame poor Hoos- 
 seinee for the moment ; and when she recovered, 
 it was in another cell, accompanied by her lover 
 alone, who supported her with the tenderest 
 anxiety. " Hoosseinee ! dearest Hoosseinee!" said 
 he with fervour as soon as he saw she had reco- 
 vered her recollection, '^ long, long, and ear- 
 nestly have I prayed for this hour : it has come 
 at last ; and now, please God, we part no more." 
 — "Alas!" replied she, "willingly would I 
 think that this may be ; but what safety can we 
 enjoy here ? and how to get hence ?" — "Be con- 
 tent, life of my soul I all this is arranged. I 
 have friends, and so have you, dearest Hoos-
 
 ADVENTURER. 249 
 
 seinee, powerful and zealous friends to aid us; 
 and by the favour of Allah we shall soon breathe 
 free in a better country. But time is precious — 
 we must instantly quit this place." — ''Alas ! will 
 that be possible ? — Know you not that the alarm 
 has been given, — that Moochtar Beg has already 
 been here, and must still be on the watch ?" — " I 
 know it, I know it ; but he too has met with his 
 match ; — he will lose his labour. But, Hoosseinee, 
 you see this disguise ?" She looked up, and now 
 only observed that he still wore the fakeer's dress. 
 " This garb is our security. These holy men are 
 my friends ; and like true friends, cast over us the 
 mantle of safety. Hoosseinee, you must assume 
 this dress ; and behold, here is one suited to your 
 stature, and provided for your use. — Lose not the 
 precious moments, but equip yourself at once ; 
 and muster up your spirits, for the time of action 
 is at hand.'' 
 
 There needed not a moment's consideration to 
 convince my sister that her lover was in the right. 
 To quit an asylum which the light of day would 
 destroy, and to get beyond the city walls before 
 a more rigorous search should be made, were 
 measures clearly necessary to their safety; and 
 only in the garb of such privileged wanderers 
 this to be attempted. Quitting therefore the 
 greater part of her woman's dress, Hoosseinee 
 put on the tattered robe : her hair, long the ob*
 
 250 THE PERSIAN 
 
 ject of much attention and pride, was twisted up 
 fantastically with rags and feathers, bedaubed 
 with ashes, and covered in part with the felt cap 
 of a dervish : her naked legs were likewise smeared 
 witli ashes ; and she was supphed with a pair of 
 the wooden sandals used by such mendicants. 
 These arrangements were no sooner completed 
 than Noor Mahomed, slinging a sword from his 
 shoulder, seizing his fakeer's iron mace, a formid- 
 able weapon, and taking his bag containing the 
 common necessaries for a j ourney, called aloud to 
 one of his friends : *^ Now, Shooker Oollah ! Bis- 
 millah irruhmaun, irruheem ! in the name of God 
 let usdepart !" — "Amen !" responded the other, " we 
 are ready. God send us good fortune and a happy 
 hour ! " and out they all sallied ; Hoosseinee lean- 
 ing on the arm of her lover, and mustering all 
 her resolution for the trying hour that had at last 
 arrived. 
 
 The lamp was then extinguished ; but my sister 
 observed that Shooker Oollah was full as com- 
 pletely armed as her lover. On entering the court 
 he whistled a low distinct note, upon which the 
 party was joined by another armed man, also in 
 the garb of a dervish; and they all set forward, 
 leaving the old mosque upon their right, and pass- 
 ing through one of the side cells by an opening 
 which was temporarily closed with bricks and 
 concealed by a tattered mat. They now found
 
 ADVENTURER. 251 
 
 themselves in a maze of ruinous and deserted 
 houses, embarrassed vv^ith broken w^alls and fallen 
 rubbish, through which, guided by Shooker 
 Oollah, they made their way with great difficulty 
 in the dim obscurity of the night. At length they 
 came to a building of greater extent, through the 
 tenantless courts and roofless halls of which they 
 reached a small area that led to the chief entrance. 
 " See ! yonder is our point of safety, and we 
 have almost reached it : this is the old deserted 
 house of Sooltaun Allee Hyder; and just beyond 
 that gateway is the city wall, no barrier to us ; 
 for we have a spell by which to pass it unper- 
 ceived. Cheer up then, dear Hoosseinee ! — come, 
 friend, Bismillah ! — go forward, while I suppcfrt 
 this weaker one.'^ But Shooker Oollah paused : — 
 ** Not so fast, not so fast, brother," replied he 
 softly: — *' all is not right, or my ears are less 
 faithful than usual. Let us examine yon gateway : 
 — stop a moment : — there is another way by which 
 I will go round : — Noor Allee and you must wait 
 for my signal : — do not stir till you hear it." He 
 quitted them, disappearing in the gloom to the 
 left ; while they remained on the spot in that 
 breathless suspense which magnifies minutes into 
 hours. At last a low whistle was heard beyond 
 the gate : it was repeated, and Noor Mahomed 
 called on his companion to advance. ^' That will 
 not pass for the call of Shooker Oollah," said the
 
 252 THE P^llSlAN 
 
 fakeer : "let us wait a while longer — there is some 
 mischief here." — " In the name of Heaven, what 
 would you have? it is the signal," said Noor 
 Mahomed impatiently : " the second whistle was 
 to decide us.'' — " I do not think it is," returned 
 the other ; " but if you will tempt Providence, 
 let us move cautiously at least: — be on your 
 guard." 
 
 It was well they were prepared; for scarcely 
 had they entered the dark portal, when they were 
 startled by the rush of footsteps, and heard the 
 well-known voice of Moochtar Beg shouting, 
 ^' There they are ! seize them in the name of the 
 chief ! strike down the dogs ! kill them if they 
 resist ! We hav6 no old fakeers at tupussia now 
 to deal with." Happily for the fugitives he was 
 too precipitate: one moment more would have 
 placed them all within his reach : one moment 
 more, and they would have issued clear from the 
 darkness of the gateway into the light beyond, 
 where he might have chosen his victims. As it 
 was, their pursuer's impatience just turned the 
 tables, and gave them the advantage which he 
 threw away. Noor Mahomed, springing to one 
 side of the archway, placed his mistress with one 
 hand in a recess, while, wielding his heavy iron 
 mace with the other, he met the assault of Mooch- 
 tar's followers, who, six or eight in number, ad- 
 vanced, distinctly reheved against the light in the
 
 ADVENTURER. 253 
 
 entrance of the archway. The foremost as he en- 
 tered met the full swing of the weapon ; and the 
 crash which succeeded told them of his fate. Noor 
 AUee, on the other side, was not less successful ; 
 for the thrust of his short spear at the advancing 
 mass was followed by a groan, and a second of 
 the assailants rolled at his feet. 
 
 The torch, which had been hitherto concealed 
 lest it should alarm their intended victims, was 
 now loudly called for ; but it rather increased than 
 diminished the confusion, by its glare and smoke. 
 For a moment the followers of Moochtar stood 
 irresolute, scarce able to distinguish friends from 
 foes; while their opponents made use of this oppor- 
 tunity to aim their blows with fatal effect. But tne 
 combat was still unequal : three men fell upon Noor 
 Mahomed, while Moochtar Beg himself, observing 
 that my sister took no part in the fray, in an in- 
 stant saw through her disguise, and seizing her by 
 the middle, was endeavouring to carry her off, 
 when the quick eye of her lover caught sight of 
 the action. Heedless of himself, he turn'd sharp 
 round, and aimed a blow at the ravisher with his 
 mace. The force of the stroke was broken, for he 
 had overreached himself, and staggered in conse- 
 quence almost to falling, but it saved his mis- 
 tress ; for the wretch rolled senseless on the ground. 
 Still gasping for breath did Hoosseinee look round, 
 and what was her horror to see her lover beaten to
 
 254 THE PERSIAN 
 
 his knee, and three swords flashing over his head 
 in act to descend upon it. Weak and weaponless 
 as she was, she rushed frantically forwards to in- 
 tercept the blows ; when the welcome cry of '* Hah 
 dervish ! Yah Hyder !" rose above the uproar, and 
 one of the assailants fell by a blow from the hand 
 of Shooker Oollah. The others, staggered by the 
 sudden attack, gave back in alarm, while Noor 
 Mahomed recovering his footing, buried his weapon 
 in the brain of him that was nearest. 
 
 During this struggle Moochtar Beg recovered 
 the stunning effect of his blow, and getting upon 
 his legs, ran towards Noor Mahomed with his 
 drawn dagger ; but scarce had he lifted his arm to 
 strike, when he was again prostrated by a blow 
 from Shooker Oollah. '^ Unblessed villain !" ex- 
 claimed the dervish, " has the time then come ? — 
 Receive then that which I owe thee — that whicn 
 thou hast earned so well !" and with the words 
 he drew his dagger to despatch him. " Amaun ! — 
 amaun ! pity ! — mercy !" shrieked the miserable 
 wretch ; *^ save me ! save me ! and I promise—" 
 *' Your promises, miscreant ! and what are they 
 worth ? Remember Mouraud Allee, and despair !" 
 The knife gleamed in the air, but Noor Mahomed 
 caught the falling blow: — "Bind him and leave 
 him here," said he ; " the rest have fled, and he 
 is past injuring us." — " Away ! — dispose as you 
 choose of your own foes," rephed the dervish in
 
 ADVENTLRER. 255 
 
 a subdued but terrible voice, " but leave me to 
 deal with mine ; — there is blood between us, and 
 the debt of blood must be paid ! Merciless de- 
 stroyer ! take this from the hand of the ruined 
 Mouraud Allee." Again the khunjur flashed 
 aloft, but no hand now stopped its sway, and in 
 the next moment it was buried to the hilt in the 
 heart of the imploring wretch at his feet. 
 
 A shudder of horror ran through the veins of 
 the lovers as they witnessed this deed ; but the 
 dervish, calmly rising from the body of his victim, 
 said, " So much for justice — for vengeance : now 
 for safety, for there is no tarrying here ; the city 
 will soon be alarmed, and we must not abide the 
 search. — Follow me closely." * 
 
 Immediately in front of the gateway rose the 
 wall of the city, which, though in many places 
 ruinous, was too well watched to admit of th^ fugi- 
 tives escaping unperceived. But Shooker Oollah 
 had a surer game to play. Proceeding but a few 
 yards along the wall to the left, the party reached 
 a hut, the door of which at the signal of the der- 
 vish, opened, and admitted them into a mean and 
 small apartment. In this they were received by 
 an old man, who gazed doubtingly upon the in- 
 truders, until Shooker Oollah addressing a few 
 words to him in an unknown language, he imme- 
 diately withdrew a curtain at the lower end of the 
 room, and ushered them into a second chamber,
 
 256 THE PERSIAN 
 
 but a little more spacious than the first, and 
 lighted by an iron lamp. 
 
 In this apartment were set forth a few simple 
 refreshments, cold rice, some milk, dried fruits, 
 and sherbet. ^^Eat," said the dervish; ''you will 
 require the support of food ; you have far to go, 
 and the way is rough. Lady, take some refresh- 
 ment." But Hoosseinee's mind had been too 
 highly excited to admit of her becoming sensible of 
 bodily wants : she forced herself to eat a few 
 mouthfuls of rice, and drank some refreshing sher- 
 bet. During this time the old man, cautiously 
 fastening the door of the apartment, removed an 
 old numud which served the purpose of a bed in 
 one corner of the room, and with a shovel scraping 
 away a portion of the earthen f^oor, discovered a 
 trap-door of wood, which, with the help of the 
 dervish, he lifted without difficulty. '' And now, 
 bismillah !" said the latter, " follow me down 
 these steps : count twelve, and then go straight 
 along." He moved forward, followed by the others 
 of the party. The trap-door was closed above : 
 it was dark as pitch ; but the steps were regular, 
 and the path beyond them smooth, although the 
 passage was so low that they could not move along 
 vnthout stooping. 
 
 They had proceeded about twenty paces when, 
 after a noise which sounded like the undoing of 
 bolts, a faint ray of light broke upon them as if
 
 ADVENTURER. 257 
 
 from the rising of a curtain ; and through the open- 
 ing thus made they issued, one by one, into the 
 open air. — "A good cgnvenient burrow this ! 
 thanks to the jackall from which I first took the 
 hint," whispered the dervish, as the opening closed 
 of itself, leaving no appearance of a cavity. " I 
 think you will allow we are beholden to it ; but 
 silence for a while, if you love not the whiz of a 
 matchlock ball ; — look around and above you." 
 They did so, and saw that they were in a rough 
 hollow heaped with rubbish and overgrown with 
 weeds' and briers. It was the ditch beyond the 
 walls of the town ; and above them rose the walls 
 themselves. The barrier was passed : a fervent 
 alhumdulillah ! rose to every lip ; but it was only 
 uttered mentally ; for the tread of the sentinels 
 could be heard above them as they kept their 
 watch upon the parapet of the walls. 
 
 Cautiously crawling along the hollow way until 
 they reached a path which led from it into the 
 plain beyond, the dervish, followed by the rest 
 of the fugitives, proceeded in silence for a con- 
 siderable distance ; nor was it until all appearance 
 of the wall was lost in the darkness that he per- 
 mitted them to rise from their painful posture, 
 and pursue their way more at ease. They had tra- 
 versed half a fursung of rough and difficult ground, 
 when at length they could distinguish certain 
 dark shapeless masses rising gloomily before them.
 
 258 THE PERSIAN 
 
 The dervish halting at this point gave his usual 
 signal, which vt^as distinctly answered from a little 
 distance. Beckoning the party onward, he led 
 the way towards the objects in sight, which proved 
 to be the habitations of the dead. They had ar- 
 rived at one of the ancient burying places, which 
 are situated without the walls of the city ; and 
 startling as such a retreat might at another mo- 
 ment have been, poor Hoosseinee had witnessed 
 too many real horrors on that eventful night 
 to be greatly agitated while enjoying her lover's 
 protection, even at approaching the tombs. 
 
 They followed their guide into an arched and 
 domed mausoleum, the resting-place of some 
 ancient king ; and in one of its cells they found 
 three others of the dervish fraternity seated around 
 a fire of embers, and circulating their pipes 
 charged with the intoxicating beng. Scarce any 
 notice was taken of their arrival, and little of 
 greeting passed. Shooker OoUah, after taking a 
 whifF of the calleeoon, uttered a few words un- 
 intelligible to my sister or her lover, upon which 
 the whole party rose, stretched themselves, ga- 
 thered up their smoking apparatus and fire uten- 
 sils, took their clubs, maces, or spears, and quitted 
 the apartment. '* All is ready," said the dervish, 
 " and time presses : — let us depart." 
 
 Descending from the cell, they found Noor 
 AUee and the other three fakeers of the tomb
 
 ADVENTL'RER. 259 
 
 holding a number of mules, asses, and stout 
 yaboos,''^ sufficient for themselves and the whole 
 party. " These are not chargers for a bahadour- 
 jung like you, my friend," observed Shooker 
 Oollah to Noor Mahomed, " but they will do our 
 business better ; so take you that shaggy broad- 
 chested yaboo, while the lady shall have the best 
 ambling ass in all Khorasan. Let dervishes 
 alone for finding beasts to suit their need. So 
 now mount, and away !" 
 
 In a moment all were in their seats — saddles 
 they could scarce be called ; for the ass my sister 
 rode had only an old paloo or pack-saddle cut 
 down a little for lightness, and the others were 
 accommodated in a nearly similar manner. But 
 accustomed as Hoosseinee was to clambering on 
 the back of an animal, with or without a saddle, 
 after the manner of the tribes, she was at no loss 
 on the present occasion ; and the ass, at once fleet, 
 easy, and tractable, did not belie the eulogium of 
 Shooker Oollah. Away they rode ,* and dark as 
 was the night, it did not appear to embarrass their 
 experienced guide. A glance upwards at some 
 star which peeped out for u moment from its veil 
 of clouds, or a rapid sweep with his eye around 
 the horizon in search of some familiar land-mark, 
 was all he required to direct his course. Through 
 rough and smooth, over height and hollow, he 
 
 * Ponies, pack-horses.
 
 260 THE PERSIAN 
 
 urged them on without a moment's halt ; — at one 
 time turning aside to avoid a village ; at another, 
 dashing right through a maze of cultivation and 
 gardens, or of brier and wild pomegranate thickets ; 
 now plunging into the bed of a torrent, and clat- 
 tering along its dry, stony bottom ; then mount- 
 ing its steep side, and scouring over the gravelly 
 plain beyond it. The little steeds carried them 
 bravely, neither starting nor stumbling in the 
 rough and broken ground, although mercilessly 
 urged onward ; for the riders knew that every foot 
 of the way was a year of liberty and safety. 
 
 During the whole of this long and arduous ride, 
 there was but little communication between my 
 sister and her lover. A quick-breathed word of 
 encouragement — an expression of kindness, was 
 all that could pass, although he kept steadily by 
 her bridle-rein, even in the most difficult part of 
 the way, and cheered her as best he could. But 
 the night was far spent, and they had gone many 
 a fursung before Hoosseinee could raise her spirits 
 (crushed down as they had so long been by terror 
 and anxiety) to contemplate the chance of liberty 
 and safety which was opening on them. Bodily 
 fatigue was in truth fast weighing her down ; and 
 it was with feelings of thankfulness beyond what 
 she cared to express, that, as the grey light of 
 morning just appeared in the eastern horizon, she 
 saw Shooker Oollah check his mule, and heard
 
 ADVENTURER. 261 
 
 him break the silence he had long observed, by- 
 remarking, " Unless my land-marks and calcu- 
 lations have deceived me, we are near a secure 
 and convenient resting-place. The lady must be 
 almost exhausted, and vi^ho of us is there that 
 will not enjoy rest?" 
 
 They were at this time crossing a narrow level 
 tract, dotted with brush- wood, and surrounded 
 with undulating swells, sometimes rising into steep 
 craggy knolls among which their way (for path 
 there was none) had for some time led. In front 
 might be dimly discerned the outline of lofty 
 mountains, rendered more distinct by reflecting the 
 first pale tints of morning. Their guide now led 
 them down into the bed of a deep but narrow 
 water-course, along which they wound ; until reach- 
 ing a pass, where the banks, well sprinkled wfth 
 ragged wood, rose high above the chasm, the 
 dervish once more halted. ** This is the place," 
 said he ; *' quit your beasts, and do you, Noor 
 Allee, come and assist me." 
 
 The party cast their inquiring looks around 
 them, but could discover none of the usual marks 
 of a halting ground : there was no pasture for the 
 animals, not even a drop of water in the dry stony 
 bed of the river. At last they saw the two der- 
 vishes at work in a thicket of wild thorns and 
 brambles matted together, and which formed the 
 outskirts of a dense jungle of oak, beach, and
 
 262 THE PERSIAN 
 
 other forest trees, tangled and thickened with 
 wild vines and creeping plants. The labour of a 
 few minutes removed a mass of shingle from the 
 bank beneath the arching cover of the thicket, and 
 exposed to view a hollow which might have been 
 taken for the outlet of some petty rill. — *' Come 
 on," said he, as the operation was completed. 
 *' The path of safety, like that to Paradise, is 
 none of the broadest or smoothest, but happy 
 are they who find it : enter — follow your guide. 
 Noor Allee, you remain to secure the entrance." 
 With these words he plunged into the thicket all 
 glittering and wet with the dew of the morning, 
 and each of the party followed in succession, 
 leaving Noor Allee alone behind, in charge of the 
 animals. 
 
 They had not clambered many paces before the 
 path became wider and easier, and the brushwood 
 had been cut away so as to leave an overarching 
 shade, under which they advanced in darkness 
 and in perfect concealment for full a hundred 
 yards. The forest then became less dense, and 
 at length they reached a spot of very striking 
 beauty. 
 
 It was an open meadow of the greenest and 
 most luxuriant herbage, forming a hollow less 
 than a hundred yards across, surrounded by hil- 
 locks, which were all covered with a forest so 
 thick as to be impenetrable to all who had not
 
 ADVENTURER. 263 
 
 the secret of access. At one side of this meadow, 
 beneath some large oaks, and at the foot of a 
 craggy hillock, stood the remains of a building 
 which, to judge by the extent of its base, the size 
 of its shattered dome, and the fragments of bril- 
 liantly lacquered bricks that still studded its 
 crumbhng walls, must have been of no mean con- 
 sequence in its day. Its form at once declared it 
 to be one of those ancient mausoleums so common 
 in the province ; and its situation, remote from 
 the habitations of men, was sufficient to indicate 
 it as the tomb of some holy descendant of one of 
 the imaums. 
 
 The words of Shooker Oollah confirmed the 
 fact. — *^ Al-hum-dulillah ! behold us at length in 
 safety ; here we may defy the chief of Diroom and 
 all his power. Besides my brethren and myself, the 
 only visitors of this hojy place are the beasts of the 
 desert, and the fowls of the air. Peace be to the 
 soul of Imaun Zadeh Hoossain ! and pardon to the 
 repentant Mamoon,^ who built this mausoleum to 
 protect his" bones." 
 
 Ascending some mouldering steps, he led the 
 way to the principal part of the building, which 
 consisted of a large central domed-hall, with four 
 corner apartments. A part of the dome had fallen 
 in, and lay strewed on the broken pavement, which 
 
 * Probably Mamoon-ul-Resheed, son and successor of the caliph 
 Harooa-ul-Resheed. — Translator's note.
 
 264 THE PERSIAN 
 
 still exhibited remains of the rich devices by which 
 it had been ornamented. Azure and gold still 
 glittered obscurely on the walls, in spite of the 
 damps of many ages. Of the four corner apart- 
 ments only two were habitable ; and in one of 
 these, blackened by the smoke of many fires, and 
 covered with traces of its casual visitors, in the 
 stones placed for cookery places, bits of old mats, 
 and broken earthenware utensils, did the party 
 take up their quarters. 
 
 The cares of Shooker Oollah, as well as of her 
 lover, were directed to the accommodation of Hoos- 
 seinee. Directing two of his brethren to cut a 
 quantity of fern and wild flowers, which grew in 
 profusion in the meadow, he formed for her a 
 couch, which would have been inviting even had 
 her weariness been less excessive ; and throwing 
 over it one of the numuds which formed their 
 saddles, they had little difficulty in persuading 
 her to occupy it. The rest shifted for themselves 
 as each found best ; and the animals, which by i» 
 that time had likewise made their way up the 
 hollow, found a luxuriant repast as well as a soft 
 bed in the herbage of the meadow. 
 
 Cold rice, cheese, bread, onions, dried butter- 
 milk, and such fare was produced in sufficient 
 abundance from the scrips of the dervishes. A 
 fire was quickly lighted, and the rude travelling 
 calleeoons of the party were produced ; cool deli-
 
 ADVENTURER, 265 
 
 cious water was drawn from an aubembareh or 
 cistern, which was still in good repair in the vaults 
 beneath the building ; and, on the whole, a repast 
 was spread before them, which to persons so 
 hungry and exhausted might be well thought 
 luxurious. 
 
 *' Ai khodai \" exclaimed Shooker Oollah, 
 arousing himself from a fit of abstraction in which 
 he had indulged for some time after the repast, 
 while the calleeoon went round, " to find myself 
 once more within the walls of Mukbureh Hous- 
 sain — again in its well-known asylum ! Merciful 
 Allah ! what recollections does this very chamber 
 recall ! — Ah ! friends, little have I now to do with 
 earthly concerns ; the world and I have settled 
 accounts. When I put on this tattered robe and 
 cap, I forsook its pomps and vanities, and wished 
 too to smother the feelings that belong to them. 
 As it is written : ' When the dervish accepts the 
 scrip and tattered mantle, let the embroidered robe, 
 the purse of gold, and the eye of beauty, be blot- 
 ted from his memory — they belong to him no 
 more.' Alas ! I would have fixed my thoughts on 
 God alone : I would have lost my«elf in the ab- 
 sorbing contemplation of his all-pervading es- 
 sence ! But now, thus dragged into the scenes 
 of my youthful haunts, nature will be heard ; and 
 he who made all things is for the time forgotten ! 
 — but rest is needful : sleep is on your eyelids ; 
 
 VOL. I. M
 
 266 THE PERSIAN 
 
 and your frames require its refreshment: rest in 
 peace. -^No danger will reach you here : for me, 
 I have of her tasks to perform." 
 
 He rose and left the apartment; while his friends 
 full readily pursued the advice he had given, and 
 soon sank to sleep. 
 
 t
 
 ADVENTURER. 267 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 hoosseinee's story concluded. 
 
 The sun had already declined from its meri- 
 dian, when the fugitives awoke, and starting 
 from their lairs, they found the dervish Shooker 
 O^ollah busied along with one of his brethren in 
 preparing an ample and substantial meal. By 
 whatever means obtained, they had procured meat, 
 and managed to prepare from it some palatable 
 soup and an excellent stew, of which, as soon as 
 cooked, they invited the lovers to partake ; assur- 
 ing them that all their physical powers thus invi- 
 gorated would be required for the night's march 
 before them. Accordingly they once more were 
 seated round the coarse cloth on which the food 
 was placed; and few as may be the apparent 
 comforts of wandering dervishes, and little as they 
 profess to value the good things of the world, our 
 travellers were astonished to observe how many 
 appliances to comfort, and even to luxury, they 
 
 M
 
 268 THE PERSIAN 
 
 contrived to produce ; for not only were good plain 
 provisions forthcoming in abundance, but no lack 
 was thefe of the scarce condiments and spices, 
 nor of dishes, drinking cups, and copper vessels 
 for preparing their food. Tobacco of the finest 
 quality was in plenty ; and above all, their favo- 
 rite maajoon or beng, which produces so delightful 
 an exhilaration of the spirits, and if more freely 
 indulged in, will intoxicate more surely than the 
 forbidden juice of the grape itself. All these 
 things were carried in an incredibly small com- 
 pass, or must have been stored in the retreat for 
 the use of the fraternity. 
 
 While thus seated at their meal, it was, that my 
 sister for the first time remarked the appearance 
 of their guide, the dervish Shooker Oollah. Until 
 then the hurry of their flight, and her own painful 
 reflections, had sufficiently occupied her thoughts ; 
 but now that she felt more at ease, his figure, as 
 the light streamed full upon it from the great 
 arched entrance, fixed her attention powerfully. 
 
 The dervish was far above the middle size and 
 strongly formed, although his person rather in- 
 clined to meagreness than corpulency. His fea- 
 tures were of noble cast : in his youth he doubt- 
 less had been handsome, and still the traces of 
 departed beauty lingered around the scathed and 
 ruined form. The broad elevated forehead, the 
 decided brow, the well-formed nose, with chin
 
 k 
 
 ADVENTURER. 269 
 
 and jaws of almost gigantic proportions, denoted 
 a resolute and powerful mind, no less than the 
 smile which lurked around his full lip, and the 
 melting of his dark, deep-seated eye, indicated 
 the natural benevolence which dwelt in this rude 
 exterior. But the restless glances of that same 
 eye, and the hurried, varying expression which 
 like the clouds of a summer's day would flit across 
 his striking countenance, betrayed as surely the 
 wild enthusiasm, frenzied zeal, and shattered in- 
 tellect so characteristic of the fraternity to which 
 he belonged. At times a shade of gloom, dark, 
 as if his thoughts were occupied by some terrible 
 purpose, would overspread his brow ; but a word, 
 a sound, a look would recall his wandering senses, 
 the cloud would vanish as rapidly as it came, 
 and the sweet benevolent smile would illuminate 
 his features, as a gleam of sunshine when it falls 
 on the black and barren rock. 
 
 Hoosseinee was still gazing on this interesting 
 personage ; who, having concluded his meal, sat 
 with his right arm resting upon his knees ; when 
 chancing to glance at the sleeve of his tattered 
 vestment, her eye was arrested by a deep red 
 stain. The scene of the preceding night flashed 
 fearfully on her recollection, and her frame shook 
 with an involuntary shudder: neither the glance 
 nor the action escaped his notice. *' Ay, lady," 
 said he, replying to her look of horror, '* such
 
 270 THE PERSIAN 
 
 scenes as we have lately passed through are' 
 suited neither to your age nor sex. The sight of 
 blood revolts you, and it is fitting such should be 
 the case. There w^as a time v^^hen I too would 
 have shrunk from such deeds as you witnessed 
 last night; but thirty winters passed among the 
 evil ones of this world leave the best of us but 
 little innocence to boast of. See, lady ! even your 
 own person is not free from these sanguine stains." 
 Starting at his words, she threw a rapid glance 
 over her own dress, and saw with horror tokens of 
 the deadly work. The blood of those who perished 
 in the scuffle at the gateway had dyed her gar- 
 ments as deeply as those of her companions. — 
 " Ay, even the dove will strike at the hawk in 
 defence of its young; and you, lady, would lift 
 that gentle hand to save a precious life." — '* Oh ! 
 Allah, grant that this may be the last of blood- 
 shed !" exclaimed Hoosseinee, shuddering again; 
 " liberty, and even life itself, is dearly bought at 
 such a price !" — " Lady, you are right," replied 
 the dervish ; *' to shed the blood of man is to break 
 the sacred law of his Creator; yet that just God 
 has himself ordained that life must answer for life, 
 and blood flow for blood. In defending our own 
 lives, we blamelessly destroy our enemy ; and when 
 innocent and injured blood cries aloud from the 
 earth against its murderer, shall man turn a deaf 
 ear to its voice ? Woe be to him who shrinks
 
 ADVENTURER. 271 
 
 from such a call — from the mandate of the Al- 
 mighty himself ! Yes, murdered victims ! the 
 debt of vengeance is at length paid ; and your 
 pale spectres shall no longer haunt my dreams, 
 reproaching me with neglect." His flashing eye 
 was strained on vacancy, and every feature was 
 convulsed with emotion as he uttered this wild 
 and unexpected apostrophe. 
 
 Startled and amazed, his auditors remained for 
 some moments silent spectators of his unaccount- 
 able agitation ; till at length the mental whirlwind 
 passed away ; and he resumed his speech with 
 greater calmness. " You start at my present ve- 
 hemence, my friends, as you were shocked last 
 night at the deed which you sought in vain to 
 prevent. Both impulses were natural ; and did 
 time and circumstances permit, I would* willingly 
 explain the mystery which hangs over my con- 
 duct, and justify myself in your eyes ; but the 
 short space which remains before we can resume 
 our journey must be very differently spent. Be- 
 lieve, that although this arm be red with blood, it 
 is the blood of a savage oppressor, an insatiable 
 plunderer, a remorseless assassin, a brutal ravisher, 
 who had too long insulted the Majesty of Heaven, 
 and defied the arm of man. You saw my dagger 
 drink the life of the villain Moochtar as he lay 
 prostrate at my feet. Had you then known that 
 in him I slew the murderer of my parents, the
 
 272 • THE PERSIAN 
 
 foul violator of my young and innocent sisters, 
 the brutal coward who made a ruined and de- 
 graded outcast of the son of a Hadjillar chief, you 
 would not have sought to save the miscreant from 
 the just vengeance of the dervish Shooker Oollah." 
 <* For you young mai;^," continued he, address- 
 ing himself to Noor Mahomed, " your destiny, 
 inch allah ! is of a brighter hue — your day is yet 
 in its morning ; and the clouds which obscured its 
 dawn are already dispersing. With talents and 
 energy like yours, a brilliant career lies before 
 you. All Khorasan is in arms, and chiefs of 
 power contend for the mastery : but if my advice 
 be worth attention, I counsel you to join the party, 
 of Nadir Koolee, whose star is bright, and whose 
 arm is strong as that of the destroying angel. To- 
 morrow we shall, please God ! overtake a cara- 
 van which is on its way to Mushed : once across 
 these mountains, and in the Koordish states, you 
 are safe from the power of Seyd Sooltaun, and 
 may journey in peace, as a dervish or as a young 
 soldier attached to the fortunes of Nadir, until you 
 find yourself in the protection of his camp. To- 
 morrow then we part, but not until you shall be 
 beyond the reach of danger : the interest I take 
 in you, young man, is of no common sort, as you 
 have had cause to know : — nay, spare your thanks, 
 and listen yet awhile. You believe that to the ser- 
 vice you rendered me, and which was the origin 
 
 I
 
 i 
 
 of our acquaintance, is to be attributed the zeal that 
 has been evinced in your cause. But wilHng as I 
 might have been to assist you, and highly as I have 
 seen occasion to esteem you, I must declare that 
 something of that zeal, and much of the power 
 which has been exerted in your behalf is due to a 
 higher quarter : a more powerful influence than 
 mine keeps watch over your safety, or rather over 
 hers, to whom you have united your destiny ; 
 and I have been but its agent. — But seek to know 
 no further ; the limits of my confidence as of my 
 duty have their bounds, and both draw to a con* 
 elusion." Rising speedily, he prevented all reply ; 
 nor did any other opportunity for question occur, 
 until the arrangements for the march being made, 
 the party resumed their journey. 
 
 The march was long and tiresome : path, for 
 the most part, there was none, and they picked 
 their way along the bottom of shaggy ravines ; 
 scrambled up the sides of steep hills covered with 
 thorns and tangled brushwood ; or wound among 
 wood-knolls, until the hills increased to mountains ; 
 and they found themselves at last in one of the 
 arduous and lengthened passes which form the com- 
 munication between the desert and skirts of the 
 hills with the more elevated districts of Khorasan. 
 
 Halting but once on the way to breathe the ani- 
 mals, and refresh the party with a calleeoon, they 
 journeyed on all night ; and about two hours before
 
 274 THE PERSIAN 
 
 day-break found themselves crossing the highest 
 gorge of the pass, and commencing their descent 
 on the other side. The first dawn of day brought 
 them to a httle plain covered with grass, and sur- 
 rounded by hills, more naked and less lofty than 
 those which they passed during the night. Here 
 jthe dervish halted. " Noor Mahomed," said he, 
 y our time to separate is come at length : you are 
 now in the district of Dereguz, and safe from all 
 pursuit. Beyond the shoulder of yon hill to the 
 left, and not one fursung distant, you will find a 
 village ; when you reach it, inquire for the reish 
 suffeid, old Baba Allee : greet him in the name of 
 dervish Shooker Oollah, and he will receive you 
 kindly, and guide you on the way. The yaboo 
 and ass which you and your lady ride accept 
 of as memorials of the dervish : and see ! here is 
 gold — you will require it, and we can spare it. — 
 Now, God protect you !" 
 
 ** Nay, stop, kind and true friend ; it is not in this 
 way we must part. We cannot so abruptly quit 
 our benefactors. Say, shall we not meet again ? 
 — how can I show my gratitude ? — how can I re- 
 quite the deep obligations we have received V — 
 *' By silence and obedience, my son ! My course 
 and duty lie one way, yours another : embarrass 
 us no further ; our time admits of no delay. Che- 
 rish and support her whom you have chosen ; — be 
 patient, be prudent, be virtuous : — once more, may 
 
 i
 
 ADVENTURER, 275 
 
 Allah keep you !" He turned, waved his arm, 
 and rode off accompanied by the other dervishes, 
 leaving my sister and her lover to find their way 
 to the village of Baba AUee by themselves. 
 
 Deep and fervent was the morning prayer which 
 they put up as the sun arose in his glory above 
 the eastern hills ; and unbounded was their joy, 
 and heartfelt their congratulations while journey- 
 ing onwards ; now, as they hoped and trusted, be- 
 yond reach of the tyranny under which they had 
 languished so long, and blessed in each other, 
 never more to be parted. Many subjects of re- 
 flection had their recent adventures supplied ; but 
 none engaged their attention more anxiously than 
 the mysterious hint given by their friend the der- 
 vish; and earnestly, though all in vain, did they 
 exhaust conjecture to discover the hidden source 
 to which they were indebted for the effectual aid 
 they had experienced. Thus occupied, the time 
 passed hghtly on, until following the broad path- 
 way, they reached the village of Baba, Allee. 
 
 That person, a venerable old man, with a per- 
 fectly white beard, and eyes dim with age, received 
 them, as the dervish promised, with perfect hos- 
 pitality. No sooner did he hear the name of 
 Shooker Oollah, than he rose, and welcoming 
 them with cordiality, insisted- upon their occupy- 
 ing the highest seats ; got ready water for wash- 
 ing, with all other comforts travellers require; and
 
 276 THE PERSIAN 
 
 understanding that they had travelled all night, 
 he supplied them with mattresses and carpets, and 
 left them to take a little repose, while a substantial 
 meal should be prepared. 
 
 By the time they awoke other guests had ar- 
 rived ; — a merchant on his way to Mushed, ac- 
 companied by a number of servants and camels 
 loaded with various merchandise ; and certain 
 slaves, prisoners, as it was said, ransomed from 
 the Toorkomans, and returning to their families. 
 The merchant, a fresh-coloured well-favoured man, 
 with a good-humoured though somewhat sly ex- 
 pression of countenance, a bustling manner, and 
 a great deal to say, strove to make himself agree- 
 able to every one about him. He had a way of 
 eliciting the opinions of those he conversed with 
 by means of indirect allusions and sidelong obser- 
 vations, and of insinuating himself into their good 
 graces by adopting their ideas thus obtained as 
 if they had been originally his own ; a process 
 which, masked by a bluntness of manner that 
 flattered while it disclaimed all approach to flat- 
 tery, threw his auditors oflP their guard, and gained 
 their confidence by surprise : the crafty old mer- 
 chant collected more information in this way than 
 he could have obtained by the most ingeniously 
 framed inquiries. 
 
 Observing that, although they wore the mise- 
 l-able ra2;s of the dervish costume, the travellers
 
 ADVENTURER. 277 
 
 received no small marks of attention from their 
 host, this gentleman favoured them with his par- 
 ticular notice also ; and it w^as plain that he eyed 
 them with a curious and somewhat suspicious 
 gaze ; but whenever he caught their eye, his own 
 was in a moment averted, and his face resumed 
 the air of careless good-humour, which might have 
 been taken for its natural expression. 
 
 Entering into easy discourse with them, he made, 
 with apparent unconcern, such inquiries as might 
 lead them to advert to their business, and to name 
 the place from which they had last come ; but 
 Noor Mahomed, who saw no good reason for being 
 explicit on these subjects to a stranger, evaded his 
 questions, or replied to them in a tone which si- 
 lenced the inquirer. Breakfast was served in due 
 time ; and after all had satisfied their appetites, 
 their host retired, leaving the whole of the tra- 
 vellers to further repose if they required it. 
 
 When the servants had withdrawn, and all 
 around them was quiet, the merchant assuming a 
 significant and mysterious air, approached Noor 
 Mahomed, and thus addressed him: — ^^ Young 
 man, I request your attention to what I am going 
 to say; for it is dictated by pure benevolence, 
 by a real vdsh to serve persons whom I perceive 
 to be of merit. There is something in your appear- 
 ance, disguised though it be, (for that these rags 
 are a disguise requires no magician to discover,)
 
 278 THE PERSIAN 
 
 which strongly interests me in your favour : were 
 I not fearful of offending, I should say the same 
 of your companion." He paused; but the pier- 
 cing glance which he cast upon Hoosseinee covered 
 her with confusion, and called up a burning blush 
 to her cheeks. She felt that her sex was disco- 
 vered. " Yes," continued he, '^ the matter is 
 plain : there is about you both a mystery which 
 ye have not address to conceal; you are too in- 
 genuous to cope with the world and its ways : — 
 but set your hearts at rest; — you run no danger 
 here ; — trust to me, and all shall be well. Think 
 you, young man, that the truth which I saw at a 
 glance can be long concealed from other eyes ?■ — 
 that the sex of that lovely tulip can be hidden by 
 that disguise ? — It is enough : on that subject I 
 need say no more; but let me warn you of the 
 danger you run in travelling with such a charge 
 unprotected in a troubled land like this. The 
 very disguise in which you put your trust will 
 prove your bane : let your wife or your sister, be 
 she which she may, assume without delay the 
 proper dress of her sex. Do you resume your 
 own; — travel openly in the eye of men, and your 
 risk will then be less than as you now are." 
 
 He paused : confounded and perplexed, my 
 sister and her lover remained silent, casting stealthy 
 looks at each other, at a loss how to reply. At 
 length Noor Mahomed, observing that further at-
 
 ADVENTURER. . 279 
 
 tempt at disguise would be vain, assented can- 
 didly to the truth of the merchant's surmises, add- 
 ing that he felt sincerely grateful for his good 
 advice: ''But," said he, '' we can be in no dan- 
 ger ; for to-day we join the caravan for Mushed, 
 and shall travel under its protection." — '' Join the 
 caravan ! Poor young people ! you are misled ; 
 the only caravan which passes through this district 
 for Mushed has reached that city some days since ; 
 and there will not be another for more than a 
 month." 
 
 Again the lovers gazed on each other with in- 
 creased perplexity. Could the dervish have been 
 misinformed ? Treacherous to them he could not 
 be, for their safety sufficiently proved his sincerityj 
 but this merchant — what motive could he have 
 for asserting such a falsehood ? He observed the 
 uneasiness which no doubt he had anticipated. 
 '' Come," said he, '' dismiss your anxiety : I am 
 going to Mushed ; my escort is strong : you shall 
 join me, and go there in safety." — '' May the sha- 
 dow of the Almighty be ever upon you ! — we accept 
 your kind offer," replied Noor Mahomed, '' and 
 shall accompany you in full confidence." — '' It is 
 well," rejoined the merchant ; " so let it be. I 
 move in the afternoon ; take your rest till then 
 without anxiety. My servants shall summon you, 
 and have your beasts in waiting ; and they shall 
 attend to your convenience in all things, as if it
 
 280 THE PERSIAN 
 
 were myself." The lovers once more expressed 
 their gratitude, and then betook themselves to 
 repose. 
 
 It was three hours past noon when the travellers 
 were summoned to prepare for departure. As they 
 were nearly ready, the merchant himself, accom- 
 panied by a slave bearing a bundle, entered the 
 apartment. " I have been providing for you what 
 you might have found it difficult to procure here 
 for yourselves," said he ; '' see, here are clothes 
 for the lady — not gorgeous ones certainly; but 
 they are the only ones among my goods, and will 
 do well enough to travel in ; and here are others 
 for yourself, of which the same may be said. 
 Dismiss that ragged coat and cap, and put these 
 on instead : your appearance will not lose by the 
 change, I assure you." The lovers did as they 
 were bid : a female kabba and vest, with a full 
 veil, along with those articles of her own dress 
 which had been retained, sufficed to clothe Hoos- 
 seinee : she remarked that they'were homely and 
 of a singular colour, but saw no objection to that; 
 and with her lover they joined the merchant's 
 party. 
 
 The baggage and slaves had been sent on be- 
 fore ; so that, during the first part of the march, 
 they travelled with the merchant and his more im- 
 mediate attendants; but when, as night ap- 
 proached, those who were in advance halted that
 
 ADVENTURER. 281 
 
 the others might come up, my sister remarked 
 with somewhat of an unpleasant sensation, that 
 all the male and female captives wore the same 
 sort of dress as that with which the merchant had 
 furnished them ; but on pointing this out to him, 
 he smiled at her fanciful apprehensions. " The 
 poor man had no others, dear Hoosseinee," ob- 
 served he : " the garments are unworthy of you, 
 it is true ; but they are better than the rags you 
 have thrown off." — '* God grant they may prove 
 as fortunate' to us!" rejoined she; and no more 
 was said about it at that time. 
 
 During the march the merchant made a further 
 attempt at worming out from his new friends the 
 secret of who and from whence they were, and' 
 what their plans for the future might be ; making 
 a merit of his courtesy and good wishes for their 
 welfare. But finding himself still met by a cau- 
 tious reserve, he changed the subject; talked of 
 the districts through which his trading concerns 
 had led him; and mentioned, as if incidentally, 
 that he had just passed through the immediate 
 vicinity of Diroom. ^' An old bird Uke me," ob- 
 served he, ^* does not care to trust itself in such 
 dens ; for few, fledged as I am, can count upon 
 quitting the hole of an old fox like Seyd Sool- 
 taun without leaving some plumes behind 
 them. Besides, the chief was in bad humour it 
 was said; he had just lost two slaves, a young
 
 282 THE PERSIAN 
 
 man and woman, who fled from the city under 
 very suspicious circumstances. Moreover, his 
 eldest son, a worthless sprig of the old tree, it is 
 true, — but still his son, had been murdered, with 
 with four or five of his servants ; and some cow- 
 ards who escaped from the fray swore that it 
 was all done by a troop of vagabond dervishes." 
 
 While saying this, the merchant bent his keen 
 eye full on Noor Mahomed, adding, with signi- 
 ficant emphasis, '^ you have heard of Seyd Sool- 
 taun, no doubt?" Confounded and quite thrown 
 off his guard, the young man was unable to con- 
 ceal his consciousness and alarm ; and still more 
 so to reply to the perplexing question which 
 closed the observations of his interrogator. Be- 
 fore he could recover himself, the merchant, re- 
 suming his benignant patronising tone, continued, 
 " Come, come, my young friend, I know it all : 
 I long ago saw how it was, and only desired to 
 show you how vain are all your attempts at con- 
 cealment from those who, like me, know the 
 world : but lay aside your alarm ; with me your 
 secret is safe. I will perform my promise ; but, 
 beheve me. Mushed is no place for you just now: 
 your arrival there must soon be known ; and the 
 agents of your late master who are resident in 
 that city would instantly negotiate for the deli- 
 very of yourself and your companion into their , 
 hands ; thus, before you could have the means of
 
 ADVENTURER. 283 
 
 securing a single friend, your mistress and your- 
 self would be once more fast in the toils of that 
 old fox of the desert the chief of Diroom. Listen 
 then to what I am going to propose ; consider it 
 well, and yield to the force of reason. Our way 
 leads through Chinnaraun, a Koordish town, only 
 two days' journey from Mushed : Byram Allee 
 Khan, its chief, a brave man, has with Seyd Sool- 
 taun a feud of blood : that you come with your 
 hands stained in the blood of his enemy's son 
 will be all in your favour. I know the chief, and 
 can tell him that which will much advantage 
 you. Enter his service : at least remain with him 
 until it may be safe to depart; and then join 
 yourself to any chief you may select as your- 
 protector." 
 
 . While the merchant spoke thus, Noor Mahomed 
 recovered from his embarrassment. His alarm at 
 the discovery thus announced to him was greatly 
 mitigated by the friendly assurances which had 
 accompanied the communication. The promises 
 of the merchant were fair, and his actions hither- 
 to had corresponded with his professions. At all 
 events his company afforded protection ; while on 
 the other hand there appeared to be no reason- 
 able cause for apprehension from an elderly and 
 respectable person like him. To Chinnaraun there- 
 fore there could be no objection to proceed ; 
 whether or not it might be an eligible asylum to
 
 284 THE PERSIAN 
 
 remain in for any time, could only be determined 
 on the spot. 
 
 With due thanks, therefore, to the merchant 
 for his benevolent consideration and sound advice, 
 Noor Mahomed signified his intention to comply 
 with it ; so far at least as to accompany him to 
 Chinnaraun, and to ascertain v^^hether the chief 
 of that place might be disposed to grant him pro- 
 tection and service. " Doubt not of that, my young 
 friend," rejoined the merchant vi^ith pecuhar em- 
 phasis, and a sidelong look of singular expres- 
 sion. " The representations I shall make cannot 
 fail to ensure for you a fitting reception from 
 Byram Allee Khan." 
 
 By the evening of the second day they reached 
 Chinnaraun, a small fortified town, where their 
 first care was to procure comfortable lodgings. 
 They alighted at a mud-built and sufficiently mi- 
 serable caravanserai. " This will never do," 
 said the merchant : " I cannot permit my friends 
 to remain in such quarters : stay here, however, 
 antil I return. I have acquaintances in the place, 
 who at my request will give more comfortable ac- 
 commodation, until you shall have seen the khan ; 
 after which you will want for nothing." With 
 these words he quitted them, overflowing with 
 gratitude for his active kindness, while his princi- 
 pal servant, doubtless by order of his master, took 
 his post at the xioor of their chamber, and drove
 
 ADVENTURER. 285 
 
 away with a zeal and attention which won their 
 entire good-will, the idle gazers who are always 
 ready to stare at travellers newly arrived. 
 
 In something more than an hour their kind pro- 
 tector returned. His friend was ready to receive 
 them, and they were forthwith conducted to a neat 
 dwelling, with a comfortable apartment, overlook- 
 ing a small court-yard, where Noor Mahomed was 
 desired to make himself at home. — ^' I am to be 
 your fellow-guest," observed the merchant, " and 
 by and by we shall see our host. Within are the 
 private apartments, where the lady may be more 
 comfortably lodged ; for I conclude," added he 
 with a smile, '^ that now you have reached the 
 regions of civihsed life, you do not intend 
 your mistress or wife to be exposed to the gene- 
 ral eye ? You can yourself view the rooms : a 
 bath will be agreeable after our jouj-ney, and a 
 private one shall be immediately heated for her 
 use." 
 
 Hoosseinee at these words looked at her lover : 
 it was the first time that they were to be separated 
 since the moment of their flight from Diroom ; 
 and she felt it more painfully than the occasion 
 appeared to warrant. The prospect of losing sight, 
 even for a moment, of him who was every thing 
 to her, filled her with a gloomy foreboding of evil 
 for which her reason was at a loss to account. Yet 
 the propriety of the step was obvious ; and where
 
 286 THE PERSIAN 
 
 could be the danger? It was folly to b6 so 
 strongly moved ; she smiled faintly, gently em- 
 braced her lover, and follow^ed the female vv^ho 
 w^as called upon to attend her. — Alas ! could she — 
 could he have conjectured the nature and term 
 of this their first separation, hov^^ different would 
 have been their parting ! But the pain of boot- 
 less resistance was spared them. They were as 
 birds in the snare of the fowler, powerless alike 
 to resist or to fly. 
 
 Noor Mahomed continued with the merchant, 
 whose servants supplied such refreshments as tra- 
 vellers require ; but the familiar footing on which 
 he appeared to be in the house of another, did not 
 fail to attract the young man's notice ; and he 
 made a remark to that effect. " Ah ! my friend 
 is an excellent fellow," replied the other carelessly : 
 " he loves to see his guests at their ease. You shall 
 see him presently ; but here comes what I dare 
 say you will relish more at this moment — a good 
 dinner. — Come, bismillah ! fall to it with a tra- 
 veller's appetite." 
 
 The good pillaws and well-seasoned kubaubs 
 were in fact true incentives to eating : the sherbet 
 was delicious ; and Noor Mahomed did them jus- 
 tice. No sooner had they washed their hands, 
 than a bustle at the entrance, with a shuffling of 
 slippers, announced the approach of a visitor ; and 
 a tall dark man, with large features, staring eyes,
 
 ADVENTURER. 287 
 
 and a great black beard, entered the apartment with 
 considerable fracas. '^ Ah ! my dear friend ! my 
 worthy companion!" exclaimed the one. — *' Ha! 
 respectable hadjee, esteemed friend !" echoed the 
 other. " Welcome! very welcome ! how goes your 
 health?"—^' And yours?" 8cc. &c. Such and a 
 thousand more of the warmest compliments were 
 interchanged between the parties, before the cere- 
 monies of meeting were completed. 
 
 At length the new comer accepted a seat on 
 the other side of the merchant; and settling 
 himself well on his centre, began the conversation. 
 "Well, worthy hadjee ! always punctual — always 
 fortunate ! never come empty-handed ! and here 
 you are once more with your bales of well-earned 
 wealth and goods of all sorts : you never forget 
 your friends." — " Oh no, my excellent nazir, 
 I never do forget my friends : I never fail them : 
 there are few things they can desire which cannot 
 be found in my packages or in my heart. And 
 by the bye, among the best things I have brought 
 at this time may be rated this young friend of 
 mihe, who is ambitious of the honour of serving 
 the khan ; — Allah bless him with long life, to be 
 a shadow and protection to his servants ! Let me 
 recommend the youth to your favour, my esteemed 
 friend." 
 
 The man threw his big rolling eyes over the 
 person of Noor Mahomed, who instantly made the
 
 288 THE PERSIAN 
 
 customary movement of half rising, in acknow- 
 ledgment of the introduction ; but a glance of 
 peculiar meaning, which passed between the mer- 
 chant and his host, did not escape his penetration, 
 although the former bent his eyes upon the ground, 
 unwilling perhaps to take notice of the signal. 
 '^Ay, "replied the nazir, '^his highness is not the 
 chief to refuse the services of a stout young 
 fellow, — and so handsome too as your friend is,'' 
 making a slight inclination of the head towards 
 Noor Mahomed ; *^ but all that may be settled 
 to-morrow; in the mean time, as you must be 
 exhausted by your march, I have brought a cordial 
 to relieve you of all fatigue." — '^ Ah, my friend ! 
 still the old man,";! see — still the same light-hearted, 
 good-humoured companion. Well, it is delightful 
 to meet you now and then — it makes a man young 
 again ; and what have you brought now?" — 
 " Just something carefully prepared to cheer up 
 the heart,'' said the other mysteriously, and at 
 the same time giving a signal to one of his youthful 
 attendants, who advancing with equal mystery, 
 produced from under his cloak a large round glass 
 bottle filled with an amber-coloured liquid. 
 
 "Not wine ! — it surely is not wine!" exclaimed 
 the hadjee with a gesture of horror : " remember 
 my sacred character ; — remember my religious ad- 
 herence to all the precepts of our holy faith." — 
 *' Oh ! by no means," rephed the other ; — " wine ?
 
 ADVENTURER. 289 
 
 — No, quite a different thing, take my word for 
 it ; — quite exempt from the prohibition you allude 
 to :" and taking a small cup from the hands of 
 the boy, he filled up a brimmer. ^^ I will show 
 you the example," said he, and drank it to the 
 dregs. ^^ Now, do you thus likewise," said he; and 
 filling the cup once more, he presented it to the 
 hadjee, who muttering over a few words, which 
 might have been the culmeh, or some other pious 
 prayer, put it in his turn to his lips ; and throwing 
 his eyes up towards heaven, suffered the liquid to 
 glide down his throat. After which, emitting a 
 sort of grunt, peculiarly expressive of the pleasure 
 it had afforded him, he returned it to his host. 
 
 The latter, meantime, having taken and filled' 
 another cup, offered it to Noor Mahomed, who, un- 
 accustomed to such excess, hesitated for a moment 
 to taste it. But his host observing gravely, 
 *^ What fear you, young man? the beverage is 
 lawful — drink of it. Surely you cannot doubt 
 it when I myself have tasted of the cup." He 
 grew ashamed of further opposition, and drained 
 it to the bottom. 
 
 Neither its pungent aromatic flavour, quite 
 unlike any thing he had ever tasted, nor its warm 
 exciting effect were by any means unpleasing ; 
 and in the course of less than half an hour he was 
 easily prevailed on to swallow two more cupfulls. 
 But he afterwards recollected, what at the time 
 
 VOL. I. N
 
 290 ' THE PERSIAN 
 
 he paid little attention to, that his portion was 
 always filled into a different cup from that which 
 the others used. By that time his ideas became 
 confused, and his head grew giddy, and in a few 
 minutes more he lost perception of all surrounding 
 objects. His swimming eyes were fixed by in- 
 toxication or by sleep, and he sank insensible to 
 all around him upon the carpet where he sat. 
 
 Upon his return to consciousness, his first sen- 
 sation was of racking pains in his head and through 
 all his bones ; and on attempting to rise and look 
 about him, he fell again upon his couch through 
 excessive giddiness. His tongue cleaved to his 
 palate from extreme thirst, and his sensations 
 altogether were of the most painful description. 
 Another effort enabled him to look around. 
 Where was he ? — what had happened to him ? — 
 where was the merchant ? — ^where Hoosseinee ? — 
 what dream had he dreamt? The place where 
 he lay was a narrow clay-plastered cell, which 
 looked out upon a crowded, bustling court, and 
 he lay upon a coarse felt horse-cloth, thrown over 
 an old tattered mat. Where was the neat apart- 
 ment which he had occupied on the preceding 
 night, with his friendly merchant ? and how had 
 the unpleasant change been effected? He was 
 surely still dreaming : once more he rubbed his 
 eyes, but the deadly sickness which now over- 
 came him sufficiently proved that he was awake ;
 
 ADVENTUREK. 291 
 
 and he called loudly on the merchant his com- 
 panion, on the servants, and less audibly on his 
 beloved Hoosseinee. 
 
 The outcry which he made brought a person to 
 the door of his cell. *^ What news, comrade ? 
 what uproar is this ? — Not awake yet ? What 
 do you want? — but — what the devil ! — who have 
 we here ?" and away he ran, leaving Noor Ma- 
 homed still more perplexed than before. He was 
 endeavouring to rally his scattered spirits, and 
 slowly attempting to rise, when a little decrepid 
 old man entering the cell, saluted him as follows : 
 " Salaam aleicoum ! Is your health sound ? — 
 You are awake then at last. I saw they had over- 
 dosed you, so I let you sleep on ; but how is il 
 with you ? Ay, pale and sick enough, no doubt. 
 Well, well ! a couple of hours more sleep will do 
 the business ; you will wake fit for any thing: — 
 here is water, — or stay, this is better, here is 
 grape vinegar and water to slake your thirst. 
 It will settle your stomach too : — so lie down again, 
 and be quiet." 
 
 '* But where am I, in the Prophet's name ? — 
 ^ and where is — " — " Hush, now! — don't talk; — be 
 ' quiet for a while ; and when you have got to rights 
 
 again, you shall ask as many questions as you 
 please : — lie down, I say." — " But Hoosseinee — 
 but my wife ? I must — " — '* Wife ! why, what in the 
 name of the twelve imauns do you want with a
 
 292 THE PERSIAN 
 
 wife, you that can't even stand ? — Be quiet, or I 
 must confine you : — take my word for it, all is 
 right : go to sleep now, do, and get well." 
 
 Sick, dizzy, confused, and reckless, Noor Ma- 
 homed contended no further ; in truth he was 
 unable to dispute the point ; his spirits were over- 
 whelmed with an insuperable weight, and he lay 
 torpid and motionless ; until at length sleep, dis- 
 turbed at first, but afterwards more quiet and re- 
 freshing, stole upon him ; and at the end of two 
 or three hours he awoke, still languid and low, 
 but free from pain, like one recovered from a tedi- 
 ous illness. 
 
 He now arose, and quitting the cell, looked 
 around for some one to speak to ; but finding the 
 court apparently deserted, he was about to leave 
 it in the prosecution of his search, when the same 
 little old man once more presented himself before 
 him. So confused had been the brain of Noor 
 Mahomed during the first interview, that the 
 young man believed this being to have been but 
 a creature of his dreams ; and he started, as he 
 now saw him substantially approach, and heard 
 his address. ** Ahah! — all is right now, — eh? — 
 slept off your debauch : — ah ! little do young men 
 think of consequences when they first taste the 
 forbidden liquor : dearly do they pay for their 
 stolen pleasure. It is your first exploit in this 
 way, I dare say ; and no fault of yours neither.
 
 ADVENTURER. 293 
 
 But come, — the sirdar^ is at the dur-khaneh, 
 and waits to see you.'' — '^ The sirdar!'* returned 
 Noor Mahomed, staring at him; ^' and who may 
 the sirdar be? — and who are you yourself, my old 
 friend ? — and where, in the name of Allee, have I 
 got to? — and what has become of Hoosseinee 
 and —:' 
 
 ** Softly, my young friend," returned the old 
 man in a tone of irony; " one question at a time, 
 if you please ; the angel Gabriel could not answer 
 so many at once : but, for the first, you will learn 
 who / am soon enough; and for the sirdar, by 
 the Prophet ! he will not be long of teaching you 
 who he is, if you don't look the sharper. As to 
 where you are, there is no difficulty in telling you 
 that; — you are in the quarters assigned to the 
 khan's confidential slaves — the blessing of Allah 
 be upon him! But, touching your last query, I 
 profess not to tell of what I do not know : this 
 is the second or third time you have mumbled 
 something about wives and Hoosseinees : — we know 
 nothing of such animals in the slaves' barracks; 
 and I suppose you have been dreaming hard ; it 
 is often the case after a debauch : but you are 
 broad awake now, so let us have no more such 
 nonsense, but followme quietly to the dur-khaneh." 
 "Slaves! the quarters of the slaves! — and what 
 
 * General.
 
 294 THE PERSIAN 
 
 have we to do there?'* demanded Noor Mahomed, 
 "Where is the merchant with whom I came to 
 Chinnaraun? and where is my wife, my Hoos- 
 seinee, I again demand?" — "Hah! hah! hah! 
 Laillah-il-ullah ! here is a fellow — here is a pas- 
 sion for us with a witness ! what has he to do 
 among slaves ? a pretty question truly ; and once 
 more, his Hoosseinee! Come, come, friend, be 
 sober ; be quiet — no more raving : come along 
 peaceably : — as if he did not know he was a slave ! 
 good, very good ! " — " Slave ! — miscreant ! who 
 dares call me a slave?" shouted Noor Mahomed, 
 rushing upon the old man, and shaking him vio- 
 lently. *^ Holah ! this is a little too much ; let me 
 go, madman ! Hey ! Gholaum Allee ! Noor Buksh ! 
 Hashmee ! quick ; here, seize this fellow ; by the 
 head of the khan he'll strangle me !" 
 
 Upon this, three or four fellows with great clubs 
 ran in, and seizing Noor Mahomed off his guard, 
 in a twinkling got hold of his aims, and spite of 
 his struggles, bound them firmly behind him. 
 " Holy Mahomed!" exclaimed the old man, while 
 this operation was performing, " what a fury he's 
 in ! hold him fast now, be sure ; the youth is surely 
 mad! but, bring him along; lose no more time; 
 let the sirdar himself take him in hand ; I have 
 done with him." And without more ado, they 
 dragged him forcibly along through several pas-
 
 ADVENTURER. 295 
 
 sages, into a small square, where, in the upper 
 room of a gateway, sat the person alluded to, as 
 the sirdar. 
 
 Raheem Beg was a Koord by birth, and a soldier 
 of fortune by profession, who had seen much hard 
 service in his day ; the marks of which he carried 
 on his person in the shape of innumerable scars. 
 The spear of a Toorkoman had rid him of an eye ; 
 and a deep furrow in the right cheek, continued 
 across the nose, bore witness to the sharpness of 
 an AfFshar scimitar, and the strength of the AfFshar 
 arm. His bosom, where visible, was no less dis- 
 tinctly imprinted with marks of his enemies' good- 
 will. Raheem Beg was of these pehlewans, whose 
 proper element is the field of strife, and who can; 
 but little for whom it is they draw the sword, 
 provided they receive their own share of pay, of 
 plunder, and of fighting. Stern and decided in 
 manner, as in mind, he found little difficulty in 
 coercing the fiercest spirits that might be placed 
 under his charge ; and it was this quality, together 
 with his fearless intrepidity, which had induced the 
 khan to intrust him with the command of the 
 greater number of his gholaums and followers. 
 He was his principal officer and sirdar; and it was 
 in this capacity that he now sat at the dur-khaneh 
 superintending the details of his command. 
 
 The abuse which was lavished upon Noor Ma- 
 homed ceased as the attendants arrived in sight
 
 296 THE PERSIAN 
 
 of this redoubted personage ; and the old man, 
 who was, it appeared, a sort of keeper of the 
 quarters or barracks of the slaves, coming forward 
 with a profound salute, stated the case, and re- 
 quested the great man to make use of such means 
 as might appear to him expedient for reducing the 
 new and obstreperous slave to submission. 
 
 ^' Slave !" once more interrupted Noor Maho- 
 med, *' who dares say I am a slave ? My lord, 
 this old wretch deceives you ; I am no slave ; I 
 am a free man, who have come voluntarily to 
 Chinnaraun to offer my service to the khan. I 
 cannot tell what trick may have been played upon 
 me, nor who I am addressing ; but I beseech you 
 to give orders for my release, and that not only 
 liberty but my wife be restored to me." — " Allah! 
 Allah ! wife again !" cried the old capidjee,"^ with 
 uplifted hands ; ** there he is again at the old 
 story. My lord, I need not tell your lordship that 
 the youth is dreaming ; that he was brought to 
 the serai profoundly intoxicated, by the servants 
 of Hadjee Shamal Thajir, who sold him to his 
 highness ; and as to a wife, Khodah kereem ! it 
 is the disorder of his brain surely, not yet reco- 
 vered from the fumes of the wine or maajoon on 
 which he got drunk." 
 
 Noor Mahomed was about to reply with great 
 indignation to this charge of the capidjee, but the 
 
 * Door-keeper.
 
 ADVENTUREK. 297 
 
 sirdar in a stern tone ordered him to be silent. — 
 " Old Allee Capidjee tells the truth," said he; 
 ** whatever you may have been, you now are the 
 khan's slave, and under my orders : quiet submis- 
 sion will be your best pohcy ; so no more words 
 about the matter, but prepare to learn your duty." 
 — " La illah-il-ullah ! what do I hear?" exclaimed 
 the astonished youth. " Oh, my lord, in the 
 name of Heaven, and by your own head, I conjure 
 you tell me what has become of my wife ? the 
 young woman who accompanied me ; who was with 
 me until last night, when that accursed merchant 
 — may his soul bum in hell ! — " — ^^ Be silent, 
 once more, I say," interrupted the other more, 
 sternly; '^ what! will he not hold his peace? 
 Give him the club then ; let him learn to obey ;" 
 and the club was accordingly administered to him 
 with an unsparing severity; but the unhappy 
 young man would still continue his frantic rav- 
 ings, until at length the sirdar, after having had 
 him severely beaten, ordered him into confinement 
 until he should be found more reasonable. 
 
 On the evening of that same day his guards 
 returning, bound his arms so tight that he could 
 neither struggle nor attempt to escape ; and lead- 
 ing him through the gate where the scene of the 
 morning had passed, into an inner court of a con- 
 siderable size, placed him in front of a window
 
 298 THE PERSIAN 
 
 where sat a person of imposing presence, whom 
 he had no difficulty in recognising for Byram Allee 
 Khan. The sirdar was standing near his chief, 
 and when Noor Mahomed was brought forward 
 the former immediately observed, — ^^ There is the 
 man, your highness, that is the slave sold you by 
 Hadjee Shamal Thajir, and a refractory animal he 
 seems to be/' 
 
 So soon as he heard these words, Noor Maho- 
 med, making as respectful a salaam as his bonds 
 would permit, addressed the chief in the most 
 earnest terms : — " Ai Khan," said he, " your ser- 
 vant rejoices in the opportunity he now enjoys of 
 throwing himself at your highness's feet: he 
 craves justice, he craves his liberty; he craves 
 that his vdfe may be restored to him, and^ in re- 
 turn he vows his best services to your highness." 
 The khan, in the deep, cold, formal tones which 
 great men are wont to use to their inferiors, 
 responded thus : — " Listen, youth ! — we know both 
 who and what you are. You are ours by pur- 
 chase, and ours you shall remain : on your future 
 behaviour depends your future fate. As for the 
 woman you claim, she is none of yours, and you 
 see her no more ; nay, you know full well how 
 heavy a punishment your conduct in regard to her 
 already .merits : be satisfied, therefore ; awaken 
 from the dream of folly in which you have in-
 
 ADVENTURER. 299 
 
 dulged, and rejoice that fate has decreed you no 
 worse a lot than to belong to Byram Allee 
 Khan." 
 
 ^* Oh ! by the soul of your father ! by the holy 
 Prophet ! I adjure you to pause ; — to be merciful. 
 OiFend not justice thus. In the name of God, 
 send for Hadjee Shamal, and examine him ; he will 
 tell you the truth ; he dare not deny it : he has no 
 right over me — I never belonged to him. I came 
 with him voluntarily to enter your service, khan." 
 — ** Well, youth, and he has kept his word, — you 
 have entered it. With his rights over you I have 
 nothing to do ; I only know those which I now 
 have acquired over you ; and as for Hadjee Sha- 
 mal, by this hour he is well on his way to tlie 
 holy city; — he left this place last night, after 
 giving over yourself and some other slaves and 
 merchandise to the hands of my nazir; so set 
 your heart at rest, and in future think only of 
 your duty." 
 
 '' Merciful Allah ! can this be thy will?— Had- 
 jee Shamal gone, and I left thus ! — and Hoossei- 
 nee !" The blow was too severe ; his head 
 sunk upon his breast, his limbs collapsed, and he 
 fell, bereft of power and sense, upon the ground 
 •^\ before the chief. 
 
 '* Poor wretch !" said the khan, somewhat 
 affected by his misery ; " take him away, and be 
 careful of him ; there is stuff in him to make a 
 
 •'%
 
 300 THE PERSIAN 
 
 stout gliolaum, no doubt, when he gets rid of these 
 fancies:" and accordingly he was carried unre- 
 sistingly from the presence, and placed once more 
 under the charge of the oldcapidjee, who, touched 
 with his condition, attempted vainly to soothe 
 him with good advice and pithy apophthegms. 
 To these the wretched Noor Mahomed, now fully 
 comprehending the infamous deception which had 
 been practised on him, and the extent of his mis- 
 fortune, and subdued by mental and bodily suf- 
 ferings, listened with exemplary patience ; he even 
 sought to make a friend of his ancient consoler, let- 
 ting him by degrees into so much of his history as 
 he thought might prepossess him in his favour ; 
 and aware that there was no chance of gaining the 
 smallest intelligence of his lost mistress, while 
 still subject to restraint or suspicion, he determined 
 to control his impatience, and earn a degree of 
 liberty, by mildness and tractability. 
 
 And what during these events had been the 
 fate of Hoosseinee? After quitting her lover 
 and the merchant, she was conducted by two 
 women, whom she took to be servants of their 
 host, through a series of courts and passages, 
 until after a descent of a few steps she found her- 
 self in the outer apartment of a bath. This she 
 had been prepared for ; and as a matter of course, 
 she accepted the services of the women, who 
 began to undress her ; but she was in some degree
 
 ADVENTURER. 301 
 
 surprised to observe in their deportment a greater 
 degree of freedom and less of respect than she 
 might have looked to meet in the persons for 
 whom she took them. Her surprise was increased 
 when, in spite of her repeated desire to be ex- 
 cused, they forced her to put on several articles 
 of dress, which had, as it appeared, been prepared 
 for her use, and which, when urged to declare 
 their reason for thus insisting, they asserted had 
 been provided by order of their master. 
 
 The bluntness and almost rudeness with which 
 these persons replied to the questions of my sis- 
 ter effectually silenced her inquiries; and, after 
 the business of the bath was completed, she fol- 
 lowed them in silence to the quarters prepared 
 for her. She remarked that the way by which 
 they led her was not the one by which she had 
 come ; but before she could hint a suspicion, or 
 begin a remonstrance, a small door was opened, 
 and she was ushered into a court surrounded 
 with buildings, and well filled with females of all 
 ages and appearances. It was evidently a large 
 harem ; and she started back, amazed at this un- 
 looked-for and unwelcome termination to her 
 progress. 
 
 But neither time nor opportunity for retreat 
 was afforded her ; for the women, seizing hold of 
 her arms, dragged her forward to a chamber well 
 lighted up and larger than the rest ; where, sup-
 
 302 THE PERSIAN 
 
 ported by cushions, on a pile of handsome felts, 
 sat a lady, somewhat advanced in life, but still 
 good-looking and handsomely dressed. Stopping 
 in front of the entrance to this apartment, her 
 conductresses bowed profoundly ; and one of them, 
 in a formal and respectful tone of voice, addressed 
 the lady : ^'According to the orders of the khanum, 
 we have brought before her presence the slave 
 which our lord the khan has just purchased as 
 a gift for his exalted lady. Young woman, make 
 your obeisance to your mistress !" 
 
 Confounded by this unexpected termination of 
 the night's adventures, Hoosseinee remained for 
 some moments bereft of the power of speech, and 
 fixed to the spot in helpless amazement; but, 
 roused at length by their efforts to make her sa- 
 lute the khanum, she stared wildly around, and 
 bursting from those who held her, fell on her 
 knees before that lady. *^ Oh! holy Fatimah!" 
 cried she at length, gasping for breath, *^ what 
 can all this mean ? I am not dreaming, surely ! — 
 what may you be, lady ? — why am I thus brought 
 into your presence ? I am a traveller, brought to 
 this city by my betrothed husband only last night : 
 it is but this moment I have left him. I am no 
 slave ; no one has a right over me." — " Hear 
 what she says!'* cried one: — ^' what does the 
 hussy mean V demanded another. '^ Wullah ! 
 here's a story, forsooth!'* exclaimed a third.
 
 ADVENTURER. 303 
 
 " What dirt she has eaten !" roared a fourth. 
 *' Silence, all!" said the lady, calmly; '^the poor 
 thing is a little beside herself. By and by she will 
 come to ; — ^but I like her looks, — she will answer 
 my purpose well ; and I am obhged to the khan 
 for his present: — do you hear, Tekooah, take care - 
 of her !" — "Stand off!" exclaimed Hoosseinee, 
 whose indignation rose at this cool treatment : 
 *^ stand off, and let me speak ! Lady ! by what 
 title am I thus used ? I repeat again, I am a free 
 woman ; the wife, the betrothed wife of a brave 
 young man. We are strangers in your city: respect 
 the rights of guests : do not violate justice so 
 grossly as to detain me longer. I entreat — I de- 
 mand to be released, and restored to my hus- 
 band." 
 
 " Poor girl ! she must be greatly disordered," 
 remarked the khanum calmly to her slave ; *' but 
 good treatment will restore her. Set your soul at 
 rest, young woman ; you have fallen into good 
 hands, and shall have no cause to complain of 
 your lot : — you have leave for the present. Te- 
 kooah, see her disposed of:" — and Tekooah, a fat 
 old woman, upon this waddled forward, and 
 giving a sign to the attendants who had brought 
 my sister, they drew her away, while still shrieking 
 out her remonstrances. 
 
 The plots of the treacherous merchant were 
 thus crowned with success. Avaihng himself of
 
 304 THE PERSIAN 
 
 the simplieity and inexperience of two confiding 
 young creatures, he scrupled not to make them 
 his prey ; and inveigling them to a place where he 
 was certain of assistance, remorselessly consigned 
 them to a wretched joyless servitude. Poor Hoos- 
 seinee, when first she became aware of the hope- 
 less nature of her bondage, was overwhelmed 
 vdth despair : stunned and subdued alike in mind 
 and body, she was for several weeks unable to 
 make the smallest exertion ; and when her bodily 
 health at last did revive, her mind continued sunk 
 in sullen indifference to all around her : she per- 
 formed mechanically the tasks assigned her, in- 
 sensible alike to praise or blame : her hopes were 
 blighted, and her heart was seared. 
 
 With her lover the case was somewhat diffe- 
 rent ; his indignation at the treachery of which he 
 had been made the victim, and his anxiety re- 
 garding the fate of his mistress, were to the full 
 as great and painful as hers on his account ; but 
 his hope for the future was less completely de- 
 stroyed : even the words of his master, the khan, 
 had afforded him room for believing that his mis- 
 tress was still within the walls of Chinnaraun, al- 
 though inaccessible to him ; and this belief was 
 strengthened by certain hints which he picked 
 up concerning the character and connections of 
 Hadjee Shamal. Prepossessed then with the con- 
 viction of his mistress's vicinity, he resolved upon
 
 ADVENTURER, 305 
 
 exerting all his powers and activity in ingratiating 
 himself with his commander and present master ; 
 in hopes of thus obtaining a degree of liberty that 
 might favour his inquiries after his beloved Hoos- 
 seinee. Perhaps he even flattered himself that, 
 by dint of such exertion, he might aspire to the 
 restitution of his wife, as a reward for the services 
 he meant to perform. In so far at least were 
 his exertions successful, that the stern and dogged 
 Sirdar Raheem Beg began, ere long, to express 
 his approbation of the new gholaum ; and even 
 the khan cast the eye of favour upon him, and 
 greeted him with an approving smile. '^ Barek- 
 illah !" said he to the old sirdar, ^^ I liked that 
 lad's looks from the first ; and I do not think I 
 shall have cause to be ashamed of my judgment : 
 we must encourage him." 
 
 While matters were in this state Noor Ma- 
 homed,' by means of the old capidjee, who had 
 become much attached to him, and whose inti- 
 macy with the heads of other departments in the 
 khan's establishment gave him access to much 
 secret information, became acquainted with cer- 
 tain circumstances, which not only removed any 
 loubts he might have had regarding the residence 
 )f his mistress within the harem of the khan, but 
 ifForded him a faint hope of being able to see 
 ynd communicate with her. 
 He knew that the private apartments were
 
 306 THE PERSIAN 
 
 close to a lofty wall on the north of the fort, to 
 which all resort was prohibited; and as females 
 might occasionally be seen walking upon a ter- 
 raced roof but ill concealed by this wall, he re- 
 solved to hazard the experiment of climbing it, or 
 of concealing himself in its vicinity, in the hope of 
 catching a glance of Hoosseinee ; and then acting 
 as circumstances might indicate. 
 
 With this vague purpose he proceeded one 
 evening to the north side of the kallah ; and was 
 making his approaches with all possible caution 
 towards some houses that had been dismantled in 
 consequence of their too close vicinity to the ha- 
 rem of the khan, when, scrambling over a broken 
 wall, he was startled to find himself in a small 
 area, at the other end of which stood a figure 
 whose appearance rooted him to the spot. 
 
 It was a man, of noble presence, yet tall and 
 meagre, almost beyond humanity. The dark and 
 piercing eyes, and lofty open forehead, contra- 
 dicted the tale of age which was told by his gaunt 
 features and deeply-furrowed cheek. His ema- 
 ciated person was smeared with ashes, and scan- 
 tily shrouded by a tattered mantle : over his 
 shoulders hung the skin of a leopard, and his. 
 black and matted hair was twisted with a fe) 
 flowers and feathers into a lofty cone. His garl 
 denoted the dervish : but the high intelligence] 
 and composed dignity, which beamed from his
 
 ADVENTURER. 307 
 
 countenance, belonged to a being of some higher 
 order; and so motionless did he remain in the 
 closing gloom of evening, that it might have well 
 been doubted whether he did in truth claim kin- 
 dred with the children of clay. 
 
 Awe-struck and fixed, as the object of his con- 
 templation, Noor Mahomed stood gazing on the 
 figure before him, without the power of articulating 
 a word ; and the long pause was broken at length 
 by the deep, clear, impressive tones of the dervish. 
 '^ When man, bowing to the will of his Maker, 
 sustains his trials with submission, and treads 
 with steadiness the path of virtue, the Almighty 
 regards him with an eye of favour. But when he 
 swerves from tfie course of rectitude, or seeks by * 
 crooked means to anticipate or contravene the will 
 of Heaven, the Omnipotent in wrath withdraws 
 his countenance, and leaves the worm to perish in 
 his own way. Hast thou forgot thy late deli- 
 verance ? or has the arm that saved thee when all 
 hope was lost, become powerless now ? have thy 
 vows of patience and of prudence turned to fool- 
 ishness, that thou hast cast them behind thee ? 
 or hast thou discovered that a giant may be over- 
 thrown by the open attack of a dwarf? How is it 
 ■that thou dost rush upon thy ruin, and wouldst 
 Ithwart the favouring influence of thy destiny ? 
 'Forbear ! once more take prudence for thy guide : 
 >f thyself thou canst do nothing ; but there is a
 
 308 THE PERSIAN 
 
 power which protects both thee and her thou 
 seekest, and which, if not counteracted by thy folly, 
 will preserve thee both. Be vigilant, but be pa- 
 tient. Watch and profit by events ; but seek not 
 to anticipate their course : — farewell ! treasure up 
 this counsel in thy heart, for thou wilt hear it no 
 more : follow it, and be fortunate — neglect it, and 
 be miserable." 
 
 The dervish ceased ; and waving his long meagre 
 arm, as if to forbid either question or pursuit, 
 he turned, and was instantly hid among the ruins. 
 Although the first impulse of Noor Mahomed was 
 to follow the author of this warning, with all the 
 speed in his power, a moment's consideration 
 checked his steps ; for he felt assured that the 
 attempt would be vain. So solemn, so impressive 
 was the appeal, that, overwhelmed by its truth and 
 energy, he doubted not that it came from a supe- 
 rior power ; and under this conviction, he resolved 
 to guide himself implicitly by the advice which 
 it conveyed. 
 
 Retiring to his quarters, he applied himself 
 with redoiibled zeal to the discharge of his duty ; 
 and though at times powerfully assailed by doubts 
 and fears, his perseverance was so effectual, that 
 in the course of a few months he became in- 
 rolled in the list of the khan's best and most con- 
 fidential gholaums, and was employed with thei 
 upon the most important duties.
 
 ADVENTURER. 309 
 
 It was in the course of such duty that he was 
 one day selected with five other gholaums to ac- 
 company the wife of his chief herself ; who, with 
 certain females of her household, had resolved, 
 from religious motives, to undertake a pilgrimage to 
 Mushed. But the lady being by birth of the tribe 
 of Beyaut, was anxious to see some of her family 
 who resided at Nishapoor; and therefore made 
 arrangements for visiting that celebrated city on 
 her way to the holy sepulchre. The route indeed was 
 neither very direct, nor safe at the time ; but the 
 escort attending her was deemed sufficient to pro- 
 tect her to Nishapoor, from whence a caravan of 
 pilgrims would easily be formed, along with which 
 she might safely traverse the remaining more dan- 
 gerous road by Cudumgah and Shereefabad. 
 
 Hoosseinee was appointed as one of the numer- 
 ous attendants of the khanum on this occasion ; 
 and Noor Mahomed, when he was informed of this, 
 through the means of his friend the capidjee, 
 remembered the cautions of the dervish, and ac- 
 companied the party, prepared to watch with lynx 
 eyes for the long-wished-for opportunity of see- 
 ing his mistress. Nay, his ardent spirit suggested, 
 that not only might he see and communicate with 
 I her, but that the hour was at hand for breaking 
 his slavish fetters, and rescuing not only himself, 
 it his betrothed wife from the thraldom into 
 lich they had been so iniquitously betrayed*
 
 310 THE PERSIAN 
 
 The journey to Nishapoor was prosperously 
 performed ; and in the confusion of coming to their 
 ground at the second halt the lovers did see each 
 other for a moment ; although prevented by the 
 fear of observation from approaching so as to 
 speak. But during their stay at Nishapoor they 
 were more fortunate, and enjoyed a short inter- 
 view ; in the course of which they had only time 
 to make one another respectively acquainted with 
 what had happened since the night of their sepa- 
 ration, and to agree on certain signals, calculated 
 to facilitate their intercourse in case that any 
 means of escaping from the party should occur 
 upon the road. 
 
 The khanum's visit having been duly paid, and 
 a small caravan from Ispahan having arrived, they 
 joined it, along with sundry other pilgrims and 
 travellers, and quitted Nishapoor on their way 
 to Mushed. But it had been written that the 
 party was not at this time to see the holy city ; 
 for when scarcely two fursungs distant from Cu- 
 dumgah, at a point where the road crosses a small 
 ravine, a thundering clatter of hoofs was heard, 
 and before any effectual means of defence could 
 be resorted to, the caravan was furiously assailec 
 by a large body of horsemen ; who in a twinkling^^ 
 bearing down all who seemed disposed to resist,^ 
 speared and trampled under foot the mule anc 
 camel drivers, and scattered the caravan, lik<
 
 ADVENTURER. 311 
 
 leaves before the breath of winter. A terrible 
 confusion ensued. The females of the cafilah, 
 and among the rest the khanum, were secured, 
 after a desperate resistance on the part of her 
 escort. The goods and animals were collected 
 with the utmost expedition ; and in a few minutes 
 all in condition to move, were on their way to 
 Toorbut Hyderee ; for it was the riders of Mou- 
 zufFer Khan who had committed the deed. 
 
 It would be vain to enlarge on poor Hoossei- 
 nee's despair at this rude destruction of all her 
 hopes ; of her lover she knew nothing ] she only 
 knew that many had fallen, and it was more than 
 probable that he was among the number; still a 
 secret, scarce acknowledged hope, would lurk in 
 her heart, and sustain her spirits, which otherwise 
 doubtless would have sunk under these reiterated 
 shocks. This happy frame of mind was greatly 
 promoted by the comparatively fortunate lot which 
 befell my sister in her new servitude. No sooner 
 had they arrived at Toorbut, and been examined 
 by the officers of the khan, than she was at once 
 made over to the principal wife of that chief; a 
 lady who formed a remarkable contrast to her 
 two first mistresses, being good, kind, and cha- 
 ^ritable. This worthy lady conceived from the first 
 liking for Hoosseinee, and had no sooner learned 
 if melancholy story than she claimed the con- 
 jction of clanship, and assured the forlorn girl
 
 312 THE PERSIAN 
 
 that she should have no cause to regret the ac- 
 cident which had placed her in the hands of a 
 countrywoman. " As for your lover, my poor 
 girl/' said she, /' I fear you must perforce recon- 
 cile yourself to his loss ; for even if he survives, 
 how is it to be expected that he can ever discover 
 where fortune has thrown you? and in truth, 
 though I may possess the means of protecting you 
 from violence here, it might exceed my power to 
 do more, however strong my inclination. At pre- 
 sent rest satisfied with my assurance that no evil 
 shall befall you." The weeping Hoosseinee re- 
 turned her such thanks as she was able, and felt 
 truly grateful for the exemption from immediate 
 molestation which this kindness secured to her. 
 
 But it was not long before Hoosseinee made 
 another, and to her, still more interesting acquaint- 
 ance, in the person of an old woman, who had been 
 born in the district of Karaboulagh, and had once 
 been a servant in our father's family. The chances 
 of a wild and changing time had brought her, like 
 the child of her former master, to Toorbut ; where 
 the name of her tribe had secured for h^r the 
 khanum's kindness and protection. In process of 
 time she had married a person in the service oftv 
 the khan ; and the jailer in charge of the prisons 
 of the kallah was a son of her husband's brother 
 of whom, on the death of his father, she had take 
 charge ; and who, in spite of his rough and chur^
 
 ADVENTURER. 313 
 
 lish manner, was neither destitute of affection or 
 gratitude for his aunt. When this old woman 
 became aware of Hoosseinee's name and family, 
 she clung to her with the most affectionate 
 tenderness during her whole residence in Toorbut. 
 For hours would she sit in the apartment as- 
 signed to my sister, exerting herself to alleviate 
 the sorrow which could not be removed ; ex- 
 hausting her powers of amusement to divert the 
 poor girl's mind from her misfortunes, and con- 
 juring up every anecdote of the family which she 
 had ever heard, as the most gratifying subject of 
 conversation. 
 
 One evening, while they were occupied in this 
 manner, at the hour when most of the females in* 
 the harem had assembled in parties to enjoy their 
 meal, and the court was left unoccupied by all 
 except themselves, they were startled by observ- 
 ing the figure of a man emerging from a gloomy 
 corner, in which a narrow passage opened into 
 the more ruinous and unfrequented parts of the 
 kallah. Their first impulse was to give the alarm, 
 and call for assistance ; but as the figure advanced 
 from the darker shade, they saw that it bore the 
 scanty habiliments, and other distinguishing marks, 
 
 >f some of the more austere callunders or fakeers ; 
 
 md such personages being frequent visitors in the 
 dlah, to the underoon of which the more cele- 
 
 >rated and holy of the fraternity obtained ready 
 
 VOL. I. o
 
 314 THE PERSIAN 
 
 entrance through the influence of its mistress, 
 their alarm abated ; and they awaited with s^reater 
 tranquilUty the further movements of the intruder. 
 They were not suffered long to remain in doubt. 
 .The fakeer advancing some steps towards them, 
 remained standing in the centre of the court, in 
 front of the chamber which they occupied, and full 
 in their view. His person was striking and com- 
 manding to a degree which overcame them with 
 awe and almost with terror. His gaunt but noble 
 features, his piercing eyes, and lofty forehead, 
 conspicuous in the dim twihght, forbade the sus- 
 picion of unsettled intellect, which the fantastic 
 dress, the wreathed and matted hair, the tattered 
 robe, and leopard-skin cloak, would otherwise 
 have suggested, and impressed the beholders ra- 
 ther with an idea of superior intelhgence, than of 
 the wild and uncertain enthusiasm so common to 
 his order. It was, in fine, the same extraordinary 
 personage who had appeared to Noor Mahomed 
 at Chinnaraun, and exhorted him to patience and 
 perseverance, when arresting his ill-advised at- 
 tempt upon the harem of his master. Need I say 
 ^hat in both their descriptions I recognised the 
 same mysterious being who had exercised so power- 
 ful an influence over my own life — who on foui 
 different occasions had appeared, to reprove, to 
 encourage, to rescue, or to commend me ? and 
 whose inscrutable agency uniting by an unseeiij
 
 ADVENTURER. 315 
 
 bond, the destinies of a brother and a sister, who 
 ahnost from their birth had existed unknown to 
 each other, became at length, under Providence, 
 the means of their happy union, in circumstances 
 of the most interesting: character ? 
 
 While my sister and her attendant gazed thus 
 in doubt and terror, the dervish addressed them in 
 his customary deep and solemn tones. '^ Daughter 
 of Keerkloo, — bud of a noble but blasted branch ! 
 the time of energy and action has arrived. Waste 
 not thy hours in listening to the deeds of thy 
 father's house, when thou art called upon to gather 
 and unite its scattered fragments ; weak as thou 
 art, to thee has the power been given to raise the 
 broken column; — to save the sole surviving eaglel 
 of that nest from which thyself didst spring. Up, 
 then, and be watchful ! In the dungeons of this 
 very den, in the toils of the wolf which tenants 
 it, lies the son of thy father, the brother of thy 
 blood — Ismael ; besides thyself, the only living 
 child of Mourteza Khan Keerkloo ! By thee only 
 can he be snatched from that unholy lair, where 
 otherwise his blood must flow, and his bones lie 
 unburied. On thy courage and resolution alone 
 iepend thy own freedom, the happiness of thy 
 flover, and thy brother's life. An effort will secure 
 them all : without it, all are lost together ; for in 
 thy hands has Providence seen fit to place the 
 means. Doubt not — fail not ; the power which
 
 316 THE PERSIAN 
 
 demands the effort will surely aid it with all need- 
 ful help. But man is doomed to eat his bread in 
 pain and sorrow ; nor can the flower of safety be 
 reached, save by the rough paths of toil, nor 
 plucked, save from the thorny tree of danger. Be 
 firm, therefore, daughter, and resolute, and Allah 
 will bless thy endeavours. May he ever keep thee 
 under the shadow of his omnipotent arm !" 
 
 No sooner had the dervish pronounced these 
 words, than retreating towards the quarter of the 
 court from whence he had advanced, he dis- 
 appeared in the increasing gloom, leaving the 
 women bewildered with amazement, and rooted to 
 the spot where they sat, scarcely knowing whether 
 to consider all they had seen and heard as a 
 dream or an illusion of the senses. At length, 
 slowly recovering and pressing her forehead, as if 
 to collect her thoughts, Hoosseinee, with an ab- 
 stracted look, exclaimed, — " A brother ! — did he 
 not say a brother? — a son of my own father?" — 
 ^' Allah Kereem !" said Khadijah, *' I scarce 
 know what he said ; his form was more hke a Gin 
 than a man, and his voice resembled a trumpet ! 
 Punah-be-khodah ! it went through me like a 
 dagger. Yes, dear child, he did say words like 
 these ; — something too of the house of Keerkloo- 
 the blessing of Allah be on them ! but his mean- 
 ing did not reach the comprehension of your, 
 servant." — *' Ay, Khadijah ; but it did to mine.
 
 ADVENTURER. 317 
 
 I heard his words, and marked him too ; for they 
 came upon my soul like the decrees of destiny. 
 He declared that this branch of the house of 
 Keerkloo was to be found in the dungeons of this 
 kallah. Heard you not that, Khadijah ?" — '^ Blessed 
 Allee ! — can it be ? There is, I remember now, — 
 there is an AfFshar youth, one of whom my mis- 
 tress has heard and interested herself in. Oh ! if 
 it should prove to be him !" — ** It must be him, 
 Khadijah — it must ! and we must find him out, 
 and know his name. Ismael ! oh ! were it but 
 thee, how willingly would I adventure my life to 
 save thee, brother !" 
 
 It would be tedious to describe the difficulty 
 which Hoosseinee had to contend with, in persuad- 
 ing the old woman to engage heartily in the at- 
 tempt which she meditated ; although, in justice 
 to the zeal and fidelity of old Khadijah, it ought 
 to be said that her hesitation proceeded rather 
 from a want of nerve to face an undertaking of 
 such overwhelming magnitude, than from any dread 
 of personal risk to be incurred in the enterprise ; 
 and, in fact, when once she had been brought to 
 contemplate success as possible, her enthusiasm 
 was scarcely inferior to that of Hoosseinee herself. 
 But their plans and efforts would all have been 
 fruitless without the aid of Yar Mahomed, and of 
 mother person, sent as it might have seemed by 
 'rovidence, according to the dervish's prediction,
 
 318 THE PERSIAN 
 
 in their hour of need. This was no other than Noor 
 Mahomed himself, who escaping almost miracu- 
 lously from the overthrow of the caravan, and 
 seeing the hopelessness of further resistance, had 
 taken the part of following the robbers to ascer- 
 tain the place of their retreat. He traced them to 
 Toorbut ; entered the town a little after them, as a 
 traveller; resided there for a short time in an 
 obscure quarter, and after a while found means to 
 enter the service of a darogha connected with the 
 kallah ; by which means he at length discovered 
 the existence of his mistress, and her residence in 
 the harem of the khan. It was doubtless by 
 another interference of Providence that the fact 
 of her lover's being in Toorbut should be made 
 known to Hoosseinee, very soon after the time 
 when she was singularly informed of the existence 
 and danger of her brother in the same place. No 
 sooner did old Khadijah learn this circumstance 
 than, clasping her hands together, she exclaimed, 
 ** It is the work of Allah himself, and foretells 
 success. But one other bold and faithful friend 
 was required; and behold! he is found." An 
 intercourse was speedily estabhshed between Yar 
 Mahomed and the lover of Hoosseinee, and the 
 whole of the plot was methodically organised.- 
 Those of my followers who had contrived to escape 
 from confinement were gradually collected, and] 
 the presents which my sister had received from:'
 
 ADVENTURER. 
 
 319 
 
 her mistress, in dress and jewels, together with the 
 property of all those concerned in the enterprise, 
 were devoted to supply the requisite arms and 
 equipment. The result of these admirably con- 
 trived arrangements has already been described.
 
 320 .THE pp:rsian 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE JEW. 
 
 But not all the offices of sisterly affection, nor 
 the zealous attentions of friendship, with every 
 alleviation that could be afforded to my sufferings, 
 could reconcile me to the confinement of more than 
 a fortnight, which the state of my wounds and the 
 illness arising from them rendered necessary. The 
 uneasiness which I felt regarding the fortunes of 
 my master and his gallant brother, whom I had 
 left in circumstances so critical, increased as it was 
 by the gloomy reports which had reached me in 
 my prison at Toorbut, combined with many con- 
 siderations of a private nature to render this 
 period of constraint intolerably irksome. Among 
 the latter, not the least painful was the thought of 
 my poor Shireen — my lately recovered, lately^ 
 wedded wife, left to live in loneliness and uncer- 
 tainty; if yet indeed the rose of her life stil] 
 bloomed in the garden of existence.
 
 ADVENTURER. ]2 1 
 
 More than once, when goaded by the poignancy 
 of these reflections, did I start from my couch, 
 and issue orders immediately to prepare for the 
 march ; and as often did the weakness of my 
 wounded frame paralyse the effort, and teach me 
 the folly of such impatient attempts ; but the mo- 
 ment my wounds were closed, and my strength 
 was so far re-established, as to admit of my sitting 
 on horseback, I refused to listen any longer to 
 remonstrances ; and my friends themselves, dis- 
 tressed at my uneasiness, agreed that we should 
 lose no more time in quitting our concealment, 
 and making a vigorous effort to reach the holy 
 city. Accordingly, our horses being caught, and 
 the few requisite preparations for our march bein^ 
 made, on a glorious evening of summer we quitted 
 the hospitable cavern, which had saved our lives, 
 and so long given us shelter at our need ; and 
 using the remaining daylight to guide us through 
 the intricate path which led to it, we took the 
 direction of Mushed. 
 
 From anxiety to avoid all rencontres with the 
 riders of Mouzuffer Khan, we overlooked the 
 danger of falling in with parties of the Affghauns, 
 and somewhat imprudently determined on making 
 a day's journey to the westward before striking 
 itato the true direction of the holy city, which lay 
 Ed the north-east. In conformity wdth this ar- 
 ingement, as soon as we got into a more prac-
 
 322 THE PERSIAN 
 
 ticable pathway, we urged on our horses to such 
 good purpose by the hght of a briUiant moon, 
 that before sunrise on the next morning we had 
 reached the caravanserai of Chukawee, in which 
 we resolved to repose ourselves until the suc- 
 ceeding night should enable us to pursue our way, 
 unexposed alike to the scorching rays of the sun 
 and the danger of observation. 
 
 But our precautions and calculations were alike 
 fated to be vain ; for, as we were reposing in our 
 cells, too thoroughly fatigued to maintain a strict 
 watch, we were roused from our slumbers by the 
 shouts of a strong party of Affghauns, who very 
 unceremoniously seizing upon our persons, in a 
 moment bound our arms, and reduced us once 
 more to the condition of captives. 
 
 The bitter mortification I felt at this cruel mis- 
 chance received a yet deeper poignancy, when I 
 learned, as our captors took care we should very 
 soon do, that these Affghauns had just returned 
 from the neighbourhood of Mushed, which the 
 troops of Zoolfecar Ghiljee had ravaged up to the 
 very gates, after defeating the brave, but on this 
 occasion imprudent Ibrahim Khan. This gallant 
 soldier, listening rather to the dictates of his 
 courage, and his indignation at the audacity of an 
 enemy whom he despised, than to the voice of 
 prudence, had issued from the town with very 
 inferior numbers to give them battle. The conse-^
 
 ADVENTURER. 323 
 
 quence was, the necessity of returning once more 
 under shelter of the walls, mortified by disgrace, 
 and weakened by defeat; unable to afford the 
 country under his charge even the limited degree 
 of protection which till then they had enjoyed, 
 and forced passively to see that enemy beard him 
 up to the very range of his guns. 
 
 While our captors triumphantly boasted of their 
 success, they did not fail to exercise the first 
 acknowledged privilege of conquerors in pillaging 
 and stripping their captives. Our arms and other 
 property, even to our very clothes, were torn 
 from our backs ; and, that a decent portion of 
 garments were left to my sister, was more to be 
 attributed to the instinctive respect for the sgx 
 which influences every true believer, than to the 
 effects of our entreaties or their moderation. 
 
 ^* But," saith the sage Saadee, ^* rail not at the 
 tempest which destroys thy dwelling, for thou 
 knowest not what hidden treasure may be ex- 
 posed by the fall of its walls." Little did I think 
 when inwardly I cursed the brutal rapacity of the 
 Affghaun soldiers, as they tore from beneath my 
 arm, where I had always preserved them like 
 talismans of great value, the emerald of Abisham 
 the Jew and a fine tourquoise presented to me by 
 my friend Meerza Abou-Taleb ; — little did I think 
 that what I then deplored was to prove the 
 means of safety to my friends and to myself.
 
 324 THE PERSIAN 
 
 Our captors proceeded straight to the city of 
 Herat, where we arrived without any further inci- 
 dent of consequence ; nor did we meet with any 
 ill usage beyond that which captives led to sla- 
 very have cause to expect. That slavery was in 
 truth to be our portion was soon placed beyond all 
 doubt ; for, after a space of four or five days, which 
 was granted to us that we might recover from the 
 fatigues of our journey, and for the preparation of 
 such raiment as our captors chose to bestow upon 
 us, in order to improve our appearance in the 
 sight of purchasers, we were exposed, along with 
 many others of our countrymen, in one of the 
 serais belonging to the charsoo or great market- 
 place of Herat, to be sold as slaves. Remon- 
 strance would have been absurd as well as vain. 
 The AfFghauns, deeply mortified by the disgrace 
 and defeat of their brethren, lately the conquerors 
 and rulers of half Iraun, were filled with implaca- 
 ble resentment against the Persians, and the Kho- 
 rasanees in particular, who had been so instru* 
 mental in their overthrow. Thus all of that coun- 
 try who fell into their hands were treated with the 
 utmost severity ; life itself was not always spared, 
 and when spared, the alternative was slavery or a 
 lieavy ransom. 
 
 By the arrangements of our masters the male 
 and female prisoners were separately confined ; 
 thus Noor Mahomed and myself were interdicted
 
 ADVENTURER. 325 
 
 fk'om all communication with my poor sister, a 
 privation which added greatly to our sufferings. 
 The male prisoners remained together dispirited 
 and melancholy ; we were kept in our serai ex- 
 posed to the view of purchasers, who sometimes 
 taking a fancy to one of our number, carried him 
 off from amongst us ; while the poor wretch, unable 
 to resist his fate, was obliged reluctantly to follow 
 his new master. 
 
 Sitting thus, comfortlessly enough, musing over 
 my untoward fortune, my attention was attracted 
 by the appearance of a venerable old man, who 
 entered the serai, followed by an Affghaun soldier 
 and one or two servants, and began like other 
 purchasers to look around at the various slaves 
 exposed for sale. The fashion of his garments, as 
 well as his peculiar style of features, bespoke his 
 Jewish origin ; but there was a benevolence and 
 even a dignity in the expression of his coun- 
 tenance, and particularly in his clear hazel eye, 
 '^^which was the more striking, as it little belonged 
 tc; those of his nation in general. 
 
 rl^w apt is the imagination to connect together 
 past and present events, even when reason can 
 supply no link of association ! What else than this 
 propensity of the mind could it be that conjured 
 up to memory the catastrophe of Yacoob the Jew 
 of Mushed, and my connection with his children 
 and their uncle Abisham? These reflections shot
 
 326 THE PERSIAN 
 
 through my brain as the old man approached, 
 conducted by the AfFghaun soldier, towards the 
 groupe formed by myself and my companions. 
 ^' Are these," inquired he of his conductor, '' the 
 persons who were taken prisoners on the occasion 
 you have described?" — " They are," replied the 
 soldier; ^^ of that you may rest assured." — ^' And 
 can you point out the person from whom you ob- 
 tained the articles I have purchased from you?" 
 — ^' By the head of Omar, Jew, thou art a fool !" 
 replied the soldier gruffly; ^^ who, in the hour of 
 battle or of plunder, marks the prey he has rifled 
 that he may know it again? These 'are the men ; 
 that is all I know, and all my bargain ; give me 
 the promised reward, and let me go." — ^^ But what 
 you have done is nothing," insisted the Jew, ** un- 
 less you assist me further. Exert yourself ; find 
 out the man, and your reward shall be doubled." 
 The cupidity of the soldier seemed to be aroused 
 by this proffered stimulus, and his surly indolence 
 was quickened into action. *' I know not if that 
 can be done," returned he, throwing a searching 
 g-lance around us: ^* but I remember that the man 
 from whom these things were taken, — not by me 
 alone, — was wounded in the Iread, he said ; and he 
 talked much and earnestly about a sister who wa« 
 taken prisoner along with him : — these men can tell 
 if they please which of them it is who had his, 
 sister in the company."
 
 ADVENTURER. 327 
 
 *' It is I who had my sister," exclaimed I eagerly ; 
 '^ and if you have compassion, and possess the 
 power, tell me what has become of her : let us not 
 be separated : whatever happens to one, let it be 
 the lot of both, and one faithful Mussulman will 
 remember you in his prayers." — '^ Be calm, young 
 man," replied the Jew, "on this subject we can 
 tell you nothing ; yet if you reply truly to the ques- 
 tions I have to propose, it may tend to your ad- 
 vantage. You have been plundered it seems; of 
 what property have you been deprived ?" I 
 mentioned a few articles of clothes and arms 
 which I had lost. " And was this all?" rejoined 
 he : " had you no jewels? — no signets? — talis- 
 mans?" I recollected then the small casket 
 which had been torn from my arm, and described 
 the jewels it contained. The listener's interest in- 
 creased as I proceeded ; I saw his aged eye grow 
 brighter, and his hp quiver, as I spoke of the 
 emerald. " And whence, young man," interro- 
 gated the Jew, ^' did you obtain this valuable 
 ^em?" — " I know not," replied I, " the motive of 
 these inquiries, nor why I should reply to them ; 
 but I have no cause for concealment; for if there 
 is an event of my life for which I have no cause to 
 blush, it is that to which I owe the possession of 
 the gem in question. I received it, Jew, from one 
 of thy own nation, as a token of gratitude for a 
 ;ood office done, and I bethink me that he said
 
 328 THE PERSIAN 
 
 the token was well known to many of his tribe ; 
 and if shown to them, would be acknowledged, 
 and command their services if required : but it is 
 gone ; poor Abisham's signet is gone with the 
 rest!" 
 
 *^ Abisham! didst thou say, young man? I pray 
 thee where didst thou know him? and what was 
 the service he requited by so valuable a gift?" 
 The voice of the Jew faltered, and his manner was 
 agitated as he uttered these inquiries, which I 
 answered readily and fully ; he listened with pain- 
 ful earnestness, and eyes which filled fast with 
 tears, as I proceeded. *^ Oh, God of Israel!" at 
 length exclaimed the old man passionately, *^ I 
 thank thee that thou hast hearkened to the prayer 
 of thy servant, and that he has lived to see this 
 day : yet swear to me, young man- swear to me, 
 that in thee I truly see the preserver of the Jew 
 Abisham and of his brother's orphans."— ^^ By 
 the One Eternal and All-merciful God, in whom 
 every faithful Mussulman beheves, and by his holy 
 Prophet," rephed I, ^' you have heard the truth; 
 in me you see that Ismael, who was the means of 
 protecting the Jew Abisham and his family, after 
 the catastrophe of his brother Yacoob." — '* It is 
 enough, excellent young man," rejoined the Jew;;"'^ 
 " Pardon my boldness, thy w^ords are indeed the 
 words of truth; and thy face, that of the ingenuous 
 and sincere* In me behold Omri, the uncle oj
 
 ADVENTURER. 329 
 
 that very Abisham whose life thou didst save, and 
 of that Yacoob whose orphans thou didst protect ; 
 and surely in him thou hast a servant whose ut- 
 most power shall be taxed to do thy pleasure ; yea, 
 if 'the demand should extend to half of his pos- 
 sessions. But let us be cautious, good youth, or 
 those in whose hands we both are placed may 
 thwart our efforts, and turn this advantage against 
 us. Be of good cheer, Omri the Jew will not fail 
 thee, nor will he rest until thou and thy friends 
 shall be free." 
 
 As the Jew uttered these words his habitual 
 wariness was alarmed by a distant bustle, which 
 might be heard approaching the serai, J" was oc- 
 casioned by the entrance of an officer, attended bjt 
 a number of soldiers, one of whom approaching the 
 place where we were seated, and fixing his eyes 
 upon me with an earnest gaze, exclaimed, " By the 
 head of my father ! the very man ; — there is no 
 doubt of it. You have got hold of the favourite of 
 that bloody tiger whose hands are dyed in the 
 blood of Affghauns, and whose devilish witchcraft 
 has blackened the Affghauns' name ; it is the 
 kooler-aghassee^' of Nadir Koolee himself. Se- 
 cure him, in the name of God!" At these words 
 
 ^e officer gave orders to have me fettered, and 
 iveyed to a more fitting place of confinement ; 
 
 id the soldiers were obeying his directions, when 
 
 * Chief, or commander of the gholaums.
 
 330 THE PERSIAN 
 
 the Jew stepping forward, made offer of any ran- 
 som that might be required, to procure my Uberty 
 or purchase me as his slave. 
 
 " Jew," rephed the officer, '^ we traffic not with 
 such as thee for captive Mussulmans : and, as to 
 his liberty, know that were thy whole wealth 
 doubled, it would not purchase the freedom of this 
 man from Zoolfecar, or his brother Ahmed, who 
 governs this city in his stead. He is a prize of too 
 great value to be trucked for a few gold pieces ; 
 but beware! best look to thyself; if thy coffers are 
 so swollen, there are those in this place who may 
 relieve them without their owner imperilling his 
 head, by ransoming the enemies of our chief." 
 
 The habitual caution of the Jew was alarmed at 
 these serious hints ; and, aware of the impolicy of 
 persisting in so warm a display of zeal, he con- 
 tented himself for the time with purchasing, by a 
 considerable bribe, the privilege of a few minutes' 
 conversation with me before I was led away. He 
 earnestly entreated me to be of good cheer; to fear 
 nothing; but to trust confidently in his manage- 
 ment. ^^ These fellows growl fiercely and bark ^ 
 loud," said he, ^' but I know how to silence them. 
 If you would turn a stream, begin with the foun-^ 
 tain head. These menials swear as their mast^ 
 say; and I know how to put words in their mai 
 ters' mouths. Set your heart at rest ; you may 
 have to brook delay, but nothing worse will befall
 
 ADVENTURER. 331 
 
 you : let us proceed with caution, however ; a 
 slight imprudence might rouse suspicion ; and who 
 can tell what the will of a tyrant may ordain? 
 our lives might prove the forfeit : meantime, tell 
 me what I can do for you or for your friends : is 
 there any one here regarding whom you are 
 anxious?" 
 
 I shortly stated my anxiety regarding my sister, 
 and that not only on her own account, but on 
 mine, it was desirable that her lover and herself 
 should be set at liberty, if that should be possible ; 
 that they would prove the best and most trusty 
 messengers to Mushed, and convey the most ac- 
 curate intelligence of the danger in which I stood. 
 '* It is well," said the Jew. '* They shall be set 
 at liberty ; one and all of your friends shall be 
 free, and provided with safe conducts to reach 
 Mushed in safety. Farewell, sir ! I leave you, to 
 work for your service; and may the God of my 
 fathers be with you and protect you!" 
 
 The Jew was faithful to his promise. In less 
 
 than a week information reached me, that not 
 
 only my sister and her lover, but Yar Mahomed 
 
 and the rest of my followers, had been ransomed 
 
 the Jew ; and being provided with perwannehs 
 
 fom the AfFghaun authorities, were safe upon 
 
 leir road to Mushed. My sister had prayed hard 
 
 >''be permitted to see me ; but that was a favour 
 
 lot even to be solicited ; for, had their intimate
 
 332 THE PERSIAN 
 
 connection with me been brought to notice, it 
 would not only have frustrated the efforts of the 
 Jew in their favour, but would have involved him 
 in the ruin which must have fallen upon us all : 
 she therefore allowed herself to be persuaded 
 that the most effectual efforts in my favour were 
 to be made in Mushed. As for me, I was con- 
 ducted, it is true, to a secure prison, and held in 
 strict confinement; but, after a short period of 
 dai^ness and privation, a change was perceptible 
 in my treatment. Not only necessaries, but com- 
 forts, and even luxuries, were supplied to me : I 
 need not add that this was the Jew's doing. At a 
 heavy expense, he bribed my jailers to permit the 
 introduction of such articles as he should supply, 
 instead of the miserable fare, accompanied by the 
 severe and even cruel treatment which were pre- 
 scribed by Ahmed Khan, the. deputy-governor. 
 To the good and venerable Omri I could not be 
 otherwise than grateful ; yet what were all these 
 alleviations, while I remained in tedious, painful 
 captivity ? Now and then the kind old man would 
 venture to see me, — to cheer my spirits, — to speak |^. 
 a word of comfort and of hope : such visits were 
 of too hazardous a nature to be often repeated^! 
 but they were, for that reason only, the mo! 
 valued by me. 
 
 To enlarge on the misery I endured during 
 weary months of this protracted captivity wou]
 
 ADVENTURER. 333 
 
 be tedious. In spite of the encouragement of my 
 friendly benefactor, hope began to fail me, and 
 both health and spirits were fast yielding under 
 the chilling pressure of lengthened confinement, 
 when one evening the Jew entered my prison with 
 a countenance of much emotion, and followed by 
 a servant bearing a packet. '* Thanks to the Al- 
 mighty ! worthy young man," said he, " the term 
 of your bondage has expired : you must quit this 
 place immediately ; and in a very short time will, 
 I trust, be at liberty and in safety. Lose no time : 
 but put on this garment, which, mean as it is, 
 will ensure your passing through your prison gates 
 miobserved." It was a dress resembling that of 
 his servant, formed of coarse materials and of* 
 peculiar shape ; but my eagerness to get clear 
 of my prison was too great to ^dmit of my 
 making close inquiry into the Jew's arrangements ; 
 so I obeyed him without loss of time. 
 
 When thus metamorphosed, the Jew, anointing 
 my face with a liquid which deepened its colour, 
 and placing upon my head a huge brown sheep- 
 kin cap, pronounced my disguise complete. By 
 what agency the doors of my prison were opened I 
 know not ; but no one impeded our progress ; and 
 we proceeded unmolested through the streets and 
 bazars, until, stopping at a mean-looking door, 
 which opened in a brick wall, surrounded by houses 
 of a like wretched description, my conductor made
 
 334 THE PERSIAN 
 
 a signal. The door opened, and we were admitted ; 
 and after traversing several passages and courts, 
 the Jew led the way into a neat apartment, which 
 he entreated me to consider for the time as my home. 
 '^ You will repose yourself here, sir, if it please 
 you, until a safe opportunity shall offer for joining 
 your friends, who are less distant than you may 
 suppose. You are not aware that your celebrated 
 general and chief, exasperated at the outrages 
 committed by this people, has at length bent his 
 way hither to punish their audacity, and that he 
 has reached within but a few fursungs of the city." 
 My astonishment and joy at this intelligence may 
 be imagined : I scarce could contain it within 
 moderate bounds ; while the Jew continued, '^ Yes, 
 sir. Nadir is at hand; and his enemies, already 
 panic-struck, must give way before his superior 
 fortune. The reason why you have not hitherto 
 been informed of his progress is, because, while 
 the period for releasing you from confinement was 
 uncertain, it would have been cruel to add a fresh 
 source of irritation and anxiety to those under 
 which you were already suffering : in truth, your^ 
 life itself has been in greater danger than you 
 knew of. While Ahmed Khan continued in charge!i 
 of the city he contented himself with holding^ 
 you and other prisoners of consequence in strict 
 confinement ; perhaps considering you as a hosted 
 age, in case of any Affghaun chief, of nam^
 
 ADVENTURER. 335 
 
 falling into a like misfortune. But when his bro- 
 ther Zoolfecar Khan returned to the city, he 
 openly proclaimed his determination to show such 
 prisoners no mercy; and long since would your 
 doom have been fixed had not the pressure of 
 more important business occupied his thoughts, 
 and diverted them from dwelling on lesser consi- 
 derations. But the close approach of an enemy, 
 whom he hates even more than he dreads him, 
 has revived the spirit of active malevolence ; and 
 he has issued orders for the slaughter of all the 
 principal captives in his power. Some of these, I 
 regret to say, have already suffered under this 
 cruel mandate ; and your head, sir, would have 
 now been forming one of the pile which greets hiff 
 sight before^ the windows of his dewankhaneh, 
 had not a method most opportunely offered of 
 withdrawing you from its operation. It is unne- 
 cessary to describe the means employed : all that 
 remains is to enable you to rejoin your own 
 camp ; and the only way to effect it is this : — 
 
 " The Persian army will soon invest the city ; 
 >ut in the mean time, a sally has been determined 
 )on, with the view of seizing if possible upon 
 ir cannon and militaiy stores, and forcing them 
 a retreat, by depriving them of the means of car- 
 rying on the siege. You shall be supplied with 
 the arms and accoutrements of an Affghaun sol- 
 dier, and in that disguise must join the sallying
 
 336 THE PERSIAN 
 
 party under command of Seyed Allee Ghiljee. Un- 
 der cover of night, you will be able to withdraw 
 from this party, and gain the camp of your friends. 
 This is the only method by which you can safely 
 pass the gates of Herat." 
 
 It is superfluous to describe the triumphant joy 
 which this intelligence excited in my breast ; nor 
 the bursts of gratitude which, mingled with eager 
 interrogations, broke from me towards my bene- 
 factor. Even when left to myself by the good Jew, 
 I found it impossible to controul my emotions, and 
 gain a decent degree of composure, so powerful 
 was the excitement produced by the prospect he 
 had opened for me. 
 
 On the second evening after my liberation from 
 prison, this state of restless speculation was fated 
 to be exchanged for one of active reality. An hour 
 after the time of evening prayers the Jew made his 
 appearance. ^^ The time," said he, " has arrived, 
 sir, when I must bid you adieu ! the hour of ac- 
 tion is close at hand, and here are the means of 
 improving it : here is the disguise of which I 
 spoke." His attendants produced a full suit of- 
 dress and arms, such as are worn by an Affghaun 
 soldier of the Ghiljee tribe. There was the gay,^ 
 low-crowned cap, the brown leather boots, and the^ 
 stout felt chogha (cloak), calculated for coveriii: 
 both arms and person. There was the round Hindee 
 shield, the powerful damasked battle-axe, and th
 
 ADVENTURER. 337 
 
 terrible straight knife, long and sharp, with which 
 the Affghauns inflict the most ghastly wounds ; 
 and when I found myself thus accoutred, I could 
 not help gazing, half doubting, at my own figure, 
 so completely transformed into that of the enemies 
 against whom I had so often been matched. 
 
 " Good, very good !" said the Jew : ^^ thus equip- 
 ped, you will pass muster without difficulty among 
 the troops now parading for service ; a companion 
 in whom you may trust, will shortly call here, and 
 guide you to the rendezvous. If inquiry be put, as 
 to who, and from whence you are, your reply must 
 be, a Ghiljee of the Alleezehee teer,=^ a follower 
 of Moumen Beg, of Subzawr, of whom a few have 
 in fact reached Herat ; although Moumen Beg 
 does not accompany the sally to night. And now, 
 respected young man, think not that Omri the Jew 
 deems the debt of gratitude, which is due thee from 
 the family of Yacoob and Abisham, discharged 
 by service which he has been fortunate enough to 
 perform. — No ! if ever hereafter it rests in his 
 weak power to serve or aid you, you shall find 
 whether the uncle of those who rest with their 
 fathers holds himself exonerated, or is slow in 
 tendering his assistance. And lo ! that the needful 
 help may be yielded by others of his tribe, behold 
 once more the signet of Abisham ; well have you 
 
 * Teer is the subdivison of a tribe ; literally, ** an arrow of a 
 quiver." 
 
 VOL. I. P
 
 338 THE PERSIAN 
 
 earned it ; and I restore to you the recovered gem. 
 Here are also the valuables of which you were 
 pillaged by the Affghauns ; they were offered to 
 me, as a ready purchaser of such things, and for- 
 tunate have they been, when they proved the 
 means of leading me to you. Here too is gold ; — 
 you will require it ; and more is at your service, if 
 more be wanted. We Jews are chary of our gold ; 
 but on fitting occasions, we can pour it as freely 
 as the fountain yields its water." — But here I 
 stopped the generous Jew : — '' Worthy Omri," said 
 1, " keep the gold, I entreat you : I don't require 
 jt : whatever service I may have rendered your fa- 
 mily has been overpaid by your zealous kindness 
 and liberality to my companions and myself. 
 We have, I am fearful, cost you too dear. The 
 signet I accept with joy, and will retain it while I 
 live ; but for the money, I pray you press it not 
 upon me.'' 
 
 But enough of this ; it avails not to detail at 
 length our parting conversation. One only re- 
 quest did he make, which had not for its object 
 my own interest. ** The arms of Nadir are 
 strong," said he, *^ and sooner or later this city 
 will fall into his hands. In that day, when the 
 imy of the soldiers shall be roused, and neither 
 age nor sex may be respected, and when thi 
 old form may have returned to its dust ; if Omi 
 have found grace in thy sight, young man, exei
 
 ADVENTURER. 339 
 
 thy power to protect his house ; as thou didst for 
 that of Abisham; — as Omri has done for thee." 
 I swore that I would do this: that my credit 
 and my life should be staked to fulfil my promise ; 
 and I thank Heaven that I did fulfil it, and that 
 Omri lived to acknowledge the benefit. 
 
 Jew as he was, I parted with the good old man 
 as I would have done from the brother of my fa- 
 ther. May the holy Prophet forgive me ! but when 
 he would have pressed the hem of my garment to 
 his forehead, my heart was full, the thought of 
 the little orphans of his kindred came over my 
 mind, and mingled with emotions of gratitude and 
 love to himself: I fell upon his neck, and kissed 
 his cheek." — " Worthy, kind-hearted youth," ex- 
 claimed he, in broken accents ; '' may the lamp 
 of good fortune shine for ever on thy path, and 
 may the God of the Jew and the Gentile over- 
 shadow thee always with his protecting arm !" 
 
 The third hour of the night had arrived, when 
 the Jew's servant entered, and introduced a young 
 man, clad also in the Affghaun dress, as my com- 
 )anion and guide. A keen glance was inter- 
 changed between us, as each saluted the other ; 
 >ut the frank and kindly greeting which followed 
 /this reconnoitring manoeuvre proclaimed that 
 
 e examination was satisfactory on both sides. 
 
 You see before you Camraun Saloomeh," said 
 te, ** and let your name for the present, sir, be 
 
 it
 
 340 THE PERSIAN 
 
 Poordil Gireeshee ; but leave me to reply to trou- 
 blesome questions. It is time we were moving ; 
 — bismillah! with your leave I will guide you." 
 
 We quitted the house, and crossing the charsoo 
 bazar, in which, even at this hour, there reigned a 
 considerable bustle, we made for the Mervee gate. 
 In the open space before this gate, and in the streets 
 leading towards it, there was mustered a force of 
 full two thousand men, both foot and horse, which 
 under the superintendence of their officers were 
 getting into order. We mingled along with those 
 who were not as yet enranked, intending to fall in 
 with a party stationed in the rear, as being least 
 exposed to the observation of the leader, Seyed 
 AUee. But this manceuvre was defeated by the 
 previous arrangements of the Ghiljee officers, who 
 having ordered out only such men as they thought 
 might be depended upon, had formed them into 
 separate troops or divisions ; we were excluded 
 from all of these, and forced along with a consider- 
 able number of other volunteers, as they appeared 
 to be, to move forwards nearer to the advance, and 
 consequently more under the officer's eye. How- 
 ever, in the hurry and confusion which always 
 more or less attends upon a night movement, m^ 
 companion and myself were overlooked, and fellj 
 unquestioned into the line of march, almost in the^ 
 rear of our commander and his suite. 
 
 Issuing from the gateway, we advanced with 
 
 Wti.-
 
 ADVENTURER. 341 
 
 much silence as is usually observed among an 
 Affghaun force, where discipline is less strictly 
 maintained than in the conquering armies of 
 Iraun. After a march of nearly two hours the 
 whole body was halted — a measure not achieved 
 without considerable confusion ; and it was only 
 then I understood, that in consequence of informa- 
 tion having been received that Nadir himself had 
 taken up his quarters, with a very small escort, 
 in an old tower close by the river side, and a 
 little in advance of his troops, it had been resolved 
 to send a detachment of four hundred picked men, 
 expressly to attack this post, and seize if possible 
 upon the person of his highness. 
 
 I did not listen to this bold project without. a 
 thrill of alarm ; for although I had too much con- 
 fidence in the steady vigilance of Nadir's officers 
 to dread the consequences of an attack upon the 
 camp, the result of a night assault with very 
 superior force, upon an advanced post imperfectly 
 guarded, as it was said, might fairly be a subject 
 of uneasiness. To warn my master of the threat- 
 ened danger was my first impulse ,* but the diffi- 
 culty was, to effect that purpose in proper time. 
 A stranger in the country, — uncertain even where 
 the tower in question was situated, for me to have 
 the corps with which I marched would have 
 madness : — the only alternative was to keep 
 c^with it, and watch keenly for the first opportunity
 
 342 THE PERSIAN 
 
 of giving the alarm. But then my companion, — 
 what might his views be ? was he acquainted 
 with the country ? I was resolved to discover these 
 points if possible ; but he himself prevented my 
 intended appeal. '^ Hear you these news V said 
 he ; — "what think you of this intended attack ? — 
 how do you mean to act ?" — '* Nay, friend," re- 
 plied I, *^ you are the guide ; I should rather put 
 that question to you : I am ignorant of this coun- 
 try — I do not know where we are — my life even is 
 in your hands ; but you have been sent by Omri, 
 and I confide in you implicitly." 
 
 " And you shall not have to repent of the con- 
 fidence," replied the young man ; " your course 
 is mine, for our object is the same : we are to join 
 the Persian camp, and to enter into the service of 
 the great Nadir; is it not so ?" — " It is," said I ; — 
 " but you speak to one who is already his servant, 
 and who would risk his life to warn him of this 
 formidable attack : we cannot judge of his rea- 
 sons for thus separating himself from the bulk of 
 his troops, but you see he is like to suffer for 
 it." 
 
 " It is a dangerous business," returned the 
 young man ; — " I hardly know what to say to it. 
 I am well acquainted with the country, but I 
 don't know what tower it is of which they speak : 
 let us go on yet awhile with the rest, we may 
 gather a hint to set us right ; and then it will be 
 
 m
 
 ADVENTURER. 3431 
 
 time to try the swiftness of our heels ; once 
 across the river, vs^e may mock at pursuit.'^ This 
 conversation was carried on in a low tone and in 
 Persian, which few of the AiFghauns understood, 
 although Camraun, as he called himself,, compre- 
 hended both the remarks that were made by those 
 around him, and the directions which were passed 
 from front to rear. 
 
 We had scarcely marched a mile, when, after 
 listening attentively to a fresh order which caused 
 a considerable stir in the marching column, my 
 companion again whispered me : — " Yaftim," said 
 he, " I have it now ; I know the place ; and it is 
 high time we should leave the party : in two mi- 
 nutes we shall pass an old ruined building ; dr(^ 
 out of the hne and get to the north side of that 
 ruin, and dp not stir until I join you; I shall not 
 be many seconds behind ; but we cannot both 
 venture to quit the line at once.'' 
 
 I followed the directions of Camraun, and soon 
 saw the dim array hurrying past me, while I 
 stood ensconced among the ruined arches. Scarce 
 two minutes had elapsed when my companion 
 stood by my side. — ^' Away !" said he ; — " keep 
 to the left, — it will be hard work to get there 
 before them ; but let us make the attempt." The 
 
 jht was dark and the way intricate, leading over 
 
 igh ground, frequently among gardens and 
 ►untry-houses, through which we had to wind by
 
 344 THE PERSIAN 
 
 circuitous routes. The sweat poured from our 
 limbs in our efforts to get forward ; but before we 
 gained the river side the dull heavy trampling of 
 those we had left might be heard not far on 
 our right. ** By the Prophet ! they will ford the 
 stream and commence the attack before we can 
 reach the spot!" exclaimed Camraun : ^^ the 
 tower in which Nadir sleeps is one belonging to 
 the old fort Sukhleem ,• and it is nearer to them 
 than to us now : — what is to be done V — " Let us 
 fire our matchlocks/' said I ; '^ it will alarm our 
 friends, if they watch at all." — *^ By the head of 
 your father !" exclaimed the young man, " take 
 care what you do : foes as well as friends may 
 take that hint." — *' I care not," replied I, 
 lighting the match of my piece, — ^^ we shall only 
 have a run for it ; or, I hear the river close to us, 
 we may dash in and swim for our lives." I fired 
 without listening to further remonstrance: the 
 shot rung sharply on the silent air, and presently 
 we could distinguish an increased buz from the 
 marching force, which proved that they at least 
 had taken the alarm. 
 
 *^ Now for it," said Camraun ; ^^ the late rains 
 have swelled the stream. — I have seen it so shal- 
 low that you might have almost crossed it dry- 
 shod : our whole bodies will be well washed no^^ 
 for swim it you must. The river ran in a rou^ 
 irregular bed ; the banks of which were in some
 
 ADVENTURER. 345 
 
 places covered with gardens, in others formed of 
 hard gravelly hillocks. Securing our arms as best 
 we could, we plunged in, and soon found ourselves 
 beyond our depth, swept down by the force of the 
 current ; but a stout arm and buoyant spirit car- 
 ried us through. 
 
 We had just landed, and were shaking the water 
 from our garments, when turning our eyes acci- 
 dentally up the stream, I saw torches flash. " By 
 Heaven they are at it already !" cried I. '^ But no, 
 these are not the flashes of matchlocks : there are 
 no reports." — " They are crossing the stream by 
 torchlight," said Camraun : *' and lo ! they give 
 hght to more than their own steps. — Behold the 
 very tower!" — " Have forward !" exclaimed T, 
 impatiently ; and we made direct for the place : 
 but long before we reached it, a volley of mus- 
 ketry from the tower itself rattled upon our ears, 
 and was answered by a furious shout from the 
 Affghaun?. ^^ Oh! brave souls !" cried I, — ** theij 
 taken off' their guard ! how I wronged them to 
 suppose it possible." The yells and the shouting, 
 with the sharp rattle of the matchlocks, quick- 
 ,ened our steps. We strained every nerve, and 
 reached the foot of the tower just as my old 
 master, who had made a gallant charge from its 
 tal, was forced back by overwhelming num- 
 We gave a terrible shout as we advanced, 
 produced its effect upon both parties. The
 
 346 THE PERSIAN 
 
 Affghauns took it to come from a reinforcement 
 of Persians ; while Nadir and his men, casting 
 a look upon our Affghauns' caps and cloaks, ima- 
 gined us to form part of another troop of Aff- 
 ghauns taking him in rear. '^ Hoh ! look out 
 there: — treason ! — shoot the Ghiljee Ghorumsaug ! 
 — slay them!" shouted the general. — " Hold, 
 hold your hands, friends ! — we are friends !" re- 
 turned we at the top of our voice. — '' It is I, Is- 
 mael Gholaum !— -Ismael the servant of Nadir !" 
 But the mistake was within an ace of proving 
 fatal to me ; for before the last words had passed 
 my lips a ball from the matchlock of a gholaum 
 sung past my ear, grazing my very cap. — ^' Good ! 
 my fate is not to die by the hand of a friend," 
 exclaimed I. " Hah ! Gholaum-e-Naderee ! strike 
 home! — charge the villains! — here is rescue!" 
 Hnd my voice, known to all the party, explaining 
 the truth, I was answered by tremendous accla- 
 j nations from every mouth ; and rallying with en- 
 thusiasm, we all made another and successful 
 ^charge, beating back the Affghauns to the river's 
 hrink. 
 
 ' ' By the head of my father, and the salt of the 
 king, Ismael ! — and from what cloud have you 
 iallen?" exclaimed Nadir, as he breathed more 
 freely for a moment after this gleam of success. 
 " But whether from heaven or from hell, welcome 
 now ; for by my soul we shall have need for all
 
 ADVENTURER. 347 
 
 our metal ! — Upon them, men ! — Drive back the 
 scoundrels !" On they came, in truth ; and the 
 battle thickened fast ; for the AfFghauns were brave 
 and resolute ; and they were hundreds to our tens. 
 Nadir had some twenty matchlocks in all, and 
 with these he had to keep full five hundred at bay. 
 He had quitted the crazy and tottering tower, lest 
 they should have pulled it down about his ears ; 
 and in spite of the terrible battle-axe, and the 
 deadly bullets of his gholaums, the AfFghauns 
 were fast succeeding in surrounding the post : but 
 help was at hand ; the shot I had fired had done 
 its duty; and Nadir alarmed, had sent a swift 
 messenger to the camp for a few squadrons of 
 horse, which now came thundering up, quickening 
 their pace as they heard the noise of the fight. 
 Their appearance decided the affair ; for the AfF- 
 ghauns, not knowing how numerous the reinforce- 
 ment might be, gave way; and in recrossing the 
 river, lost many of their number. 
 
 The attack upon the camp was still more easily 
 repulsed ; for it so happened that the advance of 
 the sallying party encountered a large party of the 
 Persian horse, which waited, ready equipped, to 
 cross the river at day-break ; and this early repulse 
 dispiriting the assailants, they withdrew with con- 
 siderable loss to the city. 
 
 The interview between my noble master and his 
 slave, after so long and eventful a separation, was
 
 348 THE PERSIAN 
 
 such as might become a gracious patron, 9,nd an 
 aifectionate servant. ^^ Thou ever comest in the 
 hour of need, friend Ismael!" said his highness 
 with a most gracious smile ; '^ and seldom has 
 that need been greater than this night. We are 
 not wont to be unwatchful ; yet thy hint was not 
 lost, as thou may est have perceived. — Thou hast 
 had thy share of perils too. — I rejoice that they 
 are past, and thou in safety. It was a wild thought 
 in that imprudent brother of mine to send thee 
 helpless and bHndfold as it were into the veiy den 
 of the wolf; but a time may come for bringing the 
 beast to bay. Enough ! — to-morrow thou shalt 
 resume thy duties, and thy station in our camp, 
 with no diminished honors.'* 
 
 On the next morning accordingly, the verbal 
 approbation of my beneficent commander was con- 
 firmed by a full khelut or dress of honor, includ- 
 ing a noble charger, and suitable armour, con- 
 veyed to me with an intimation that the general, 
 aware that I must be destitute even of necessaries, 
 had thought fit to provide for my present wants. 
 I need not say how greatly this generous con- 
 sideration added to the gratitude and veneration I 
 felt for this mighty chief, with whose fortunes my 
 destiny had become so intimately linked. In the 
 camp I found Noor Mahomed, who had already 
 risen high in the service and favour of Nadir ; and 
 joyful was the meeting to both; for however con-
 
 ADVENTURER, 349 
 
 fident he might have felt of the Jew's zeal, and 
 however light he thought fit to make of my danger, 
 in speaking to my sister and poor Shireen, he 
 could not disguise to himself the real peril of my 
 situation. On my part, the delight of knowing 
 that the wife of my affection was well, and hved 
 only in the hope of once more seeing me, and that 
 with her Hoosseinee had found a tender friend and 
 sister in love, as well as by connection, — of being 
 restored to the free exercise of my duties, the favour 
 of my master, and the society of my friends, was a 
 measure of good fortune and happiness almost too 
 great to be borne with decent composure. 
 
 I shall not describe the progress of the siege of 
 Herat, which city, along with Furrah and Subzawi^ 
 and all the principal places of the province, fell 
 one after another, beneath the victorious arms 
 of Nadir, the pillar of the state, and conqueror of 
 nations. It is sufficient to say that the AfFghauns 
 being thus completely humbled, and the govern- 
 ment of the country duly regulated, the hero, after 
 having celebrated with due pomp the happy fes- 
 ftival of the No-roz, returned to Mushed, in the year 
 of the Hegira 1144 (A.D. 1731).
 
 350 THE PEBSIAN 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 A CLOSING SCENE. 
 
 During the AfFghaun invasion which has just 
 been described, and the campaign which succeeded 
 it, there were many of the districts andballooks in 
 the eastern quarters of Khorasan which, encouraged 
 by the confusion and disorder of the times, had 
 openly refused or purposely neglected to account 
 for the revenues due from them to government. 
 The AfFghauns being subdued. Nadir determined 
 to punish these disaffected or time-serving quar- 
 ters for their treachery or tardiness; and at the 
 same time to replenish at their expense the public 
 treasuries, exhausted by a long and expensive war. 
 For this purpose detachments of troops, under offi- 
 cers of trust and experience, were sent into the,^ 
 quarters in question ; and among the rest, I was not; 
 sorry to be appointed to levy from the districts; 
 Jam, and the ballooks to the westward, the fii 
 imposed upon them ; for I was not without ho|
 
 ADVENTURER. 351 
 
 of falling in with mine ancient host of Toorbut, 
 Hyderee MouzufFer Khan, and having an oppor- 
 tunity of repaying him some of the attentions I 
 had met w^ith under his roof. Hither accordingly 
 I repaired with my command ; and was not unsuc- 
 cessful in squeezing the purses of old miserly ket- 
 khodahs, and petty oppressive darogahs ; who upon 
 various pretences had sucked their ryots dry, to 
 line their own coffers. 
 
 But we were not always so usefully employed : 
 at intervals, we amused ourselves with hunting the 
 game which abounds in this part of the country. 
 Not only were antelopes and ahoobarras* to be 
 met with in plenty, but our sport was varied by a 
 chase of the wolf or hyena ; the marshes swarmed 
 with the ghorauze or wild hog : the fleet gour- 
 khur, or wild ass, would often quit his more ex- 
 tensive plains, to feed in the richer vallies of the 
 district in question ; and the noble mountain-sheep 
 might be found by the adventurous hunter among 
 the loftier cliffs which bounded them. 
 
 It was while in chase of this gallant animal one 
 day, that an adventure befell me, so singular, 
 and even so wild in its character, that, had it not 
 referred with wonderful consistency to certain oc- 
 currences of my earlier life, and even connected 
 
 self marvellously with them, I should have been 
 
 * Bustards.
 
 352 THE PERSIAN 
 
 tempted, perhaps, to consider it as a mockery 
 of the brain, — the vision of a disordered mind. 
 
 The heat of the day had been intense, and, 
 joined to the fatigue of a long and arduous chase, 
 had almost exhausted the greater number of our 
 party ; when, about three hours after noon, a herd 
 of the mountain-sheep was perceived by five or six 
 of us who had kept together, peering over the 
 high cliffs above us, tossing their curled horns, 
 and stamping with their feet, as they gazed down 
 upon the intruders: the sight awakened our 
 slumbering energies, and re-animated our failing 
 strength. '' A fair challenge, by the head of my 
 father !" exclaimed one. — *' Can we suffer these 
 animals to laugh at our very beards V cried an- 
 other. '^May I never look upon the antelope^eye 
 of my mistress, or clasp her slender person, if I 
 have not, at least, a climb for them !" said a third : 
 '^ but we must spread, and take different sides of 
 the height to surround them, or they will be off 
 like the wind :" so, leaving our horses on the spot 
 where we dismounted, (for to clamber up the 
 crags on horseback was impossible), each man 
 unslung his matchlock, and took such a direc- 
 tion as might ensure him the best chance of his 
 game. 
 
 For my own part, observing a hollow which 
 appeared to lead downwards into the main vallei 
 from the very crags upon which the animals ha<
 
 ADVENTURER. 353 
 
 gathered, and along which I thought it possible 
 they might descend, in case of being scared from 
 the height, I made for this pass, which was to 
 the left of all the party, and soon found myself 
 upon the brink of a deeper ravine than I had an- 
 ticipated. 
 
 The sides of this hollow, which was the bed of 
 some mountain torrent, were interspersed with 
 stunted wood, and covered with grey shivered 
 fragments of rock, among which sprung up a few 
 weeds and tufts of grass, now yellow and wi- 
 thering in the heat of the advancing summer. The 
 descent was steep and difficult; and I paused 
 upon the brink, uncertain how to proceed, as I 
 discovered the great and unexpected depth of tha. 
 chasm ; but this indecision lasted only until my 
 eye chanced to fall upon a magnificent mountain 
 ram, which, scared as I believed by my friends 
 above, had quitted the heights, and was bounding 
 downwards, as I had anticipated, among the bro- 
 ken masses of rock and gravelly scaurs, the stones 
 of which clattered as the animal displaced them in 
 its course. 
 
 Every now and then it paused for a second, 
 erected its portly head, tossed high its immense 
 Teathed horns, and cast an inquiring glance 
 )ackwards in the direction from which it came, 
 ill and motionless, I lay behind a crag, awaiting 
 ipproach. The distance was considerable; but
 
 354 THE PERSIAN 
 
 confident in my own skill, I only paused un- 
 til it should attain that point of its course ap- 
 proaching nearest to my station, when, taking 
 advantage of one of its momentary halts, I took a 
 rapid aim, and fired : it seemed that my shot had 
 taken effect; for the animal bounded upright, 
 and, staggering forwards a few paces, fell tum- 
 bling head over heels down the stony face, across 
 which he had been passing at the moment when 
 he received it. 
 
 Delighted at my success, I no longer hesitated 
 in plunging down the rugged slope to seize my 
 gaine, and had made considerable way with no 
 small peril ; when, to my disappointment and sur- 
 prise, I observed the animal, which at first lay as 
 if dead, once more upon its legs, and making off 
 along the ravine towards the valley. Its pro- 
 gress, however, was so slow and unsteady, 
 that believing every moment that it must fall a 
 second time, I resolved upon following it ; and 
 continued to do so over very dangerous and toil- 
 some ground for near an hour; at times losing 
 sight of it, and then again catching a glimpse, 
 which revived my hopes, and induced me to con- 
 tinue the pursuit. 
 
 At length, wearied, panting, and my brain reel- 
 ing with exertion, I reached the brow of a height 
 but what it overlooked I cannot tell ; for at th^ 
 very moment my head grew giddy, and ever
 
 ADVENTURER. 355 
 
 thing swam around me. I was conscious of falling 
 and rolling down a steep declivity ; but I remem- 
 bered no more. 
 
 My first returning sensations were mingled with 
 a dull confusion, which floated through my brain 
 and clouded all my perceptions. By degrees, this 
 indistinctness died away, and on looking around 
 me I found myself in a scene for which the coun- 
 try I had just passed through had by no means 
 prepared me. 
 
 It was a little lonely valley fenced in on every 
 side by mountains, of a height and steepness which 
 rendered it to all appearance inaccessible ; upon 
 the skirts of these, and along the banks of a little 
 stream, which trickled rather than flowed along 
 its bottom, was scattered a little wood ; the rest 
 was luxuriant meadow land. 
 
 The sun was nearly setting in a cloudless sky of 
 radiant glory ; its lingering beams tinged the tops 
 of the eastern hills with a rich hue, as they rose 
 in long succession, and varied form ; until the ex- 
 tremity of the valley was closed up by a huge 
 cliff', which still lay fully bathed in the golden light. 
 The bosom of the vale itself lay quiet and wrapt in 
 5ober grey, except when the current of the little 
 sparkled upwards to the sky, reflecting back a 
 rowed and a wavering gleam. It was an im- 
 sive, but a soothing scene ; and I was gazing 
 it with a placid interest, when the breathing
 
 356 THE PERSIAN 
 
 stillness of the place was broken by something like 
 a distant and half-smothered gi^oan. 
 
 '^ Can human suffering find entrance even here ?" 
 was my half-uttered thought, as startled by a 
 sound so little in unison with the spot, I turned 
 around to discover from whence it might have 
 proceeded. The action made me aware of an 
 object, which beingbehind me, had hitherto escaped 
 my attention. It was a small ancient building, 
 in the form of a mausoleum, or as they are termed, 
 Imaumzadehs.^ Its domed roof, blackened and 
 mouldering vdth age, had partly fallen in ; and a 
 few grave-stones around it proved that the place 
 had been used as a burying-ground. A single 
 branching sycamore, which threw its shade over 
 the spot, was contrasted by the spiry form of a 
 tall poplar, and one stunted cypress. A wall 
 had once enclosed the space occupied by the 
 burying-ground ; but it was now very ruinous, and 
 the side next which I stood, and which overlooked 
 the full extent of the valley, had fallen entirely 
 down, so as to expose the whole interior to view. 
 
 The sight of this simple cemetery in so solitary 
 a spot affected me powerfully ; an inexplicable 
 impulse constrained me to approach and enter it; 
 Rank grass grew high, and sere, among the toml>- 
 stones, which bore half obliterated inscriptions^ 
 
 * Literally, born of an Imaum ; in this acceptation, the toi 
 a decendaut from one of the Imauius.
 
 ADVENTURER. 357 
 
 ancient characters. Every thing announced it to 
 be the abode of the dead alone ; a place of silence 
 and decay. The scene v^^as striking — solemn, and 
 I gazed upon it unable to withdraw my eyes. The 
 same incomprehensible fascination rooted me to 
 the spot. " What is going to befall me V thought 
 I : — " what hidden purpose can my fate intend, 
 by leading me so strangely to this retired spot ?" 
 And scarcely had the mental exclamation been 
 formed, when my eyes fell upon an object which 
 seemed to furnish a full and terrible reply. 
 
 The space in front of the mausoleum had once 
 been occupied by a stone basin, such as are ge- 
 nerally found near mosques and shrines of this 
 description, to contain water for ablution. It was 
 now dry and dusty; but, upon the bank of this 
 basin, and close to the entrance of the tomb, the 
 great sycamore tree of which I have spoken had 
 rooted itself. At the base of this majestic tree, 
 between two of its huge gnarled roots, and upon 
 a tattered mat which was spread on the bare 
 earth, lay the body or rather the skeleton of a hu- 
 man being, dead as it seemed ; for nothing living 
 ever showed so ghastly ! Could the groan I had 
 >.- heard have been uttered by this poor wreck of 
 j* humanity? The time, the place, the occasion, 
 was overwhelmingly impressive ; and my flesh 
 
 ipt as I approached to ascertain the fact. But, 
 shall I paint my feelings, when, in the miser-
 
 358 THE PERSIAN 
 
 able object before me, I recognised the memo- 
 rable countenance and person of the dervish, 
 Sheikh Allee Callunder ! 
 
 Penetrated with a mingled emotion of sympathy 
 and awe, I stood fixed to the spot, with my eyes 
 fastened upon the vision before me. I could not 
 be mistaken : there were the well-known habili- 
 ments, scantily covering his emaciated fmme; 
 and there were the lofty expressive features, 
 scarcely more shrunk than when I had last beheld 
 them, although now fixed, as it seemed, in the 
 rigidity of death. 
 
 But the angel of death had not yet completed 
 his conquest. While yet I gazed upon the pain- 
 ful scene, the dervish's sunken eye moved slowly 
 in its socket, and fixed itself upon me with a pier- 
 cing brilliancy, which declared how unsubdued by 
 human pain or human weakness was the spirit 
 that animated the frail and fading frame. '' Child 
 of clay," said he, in firm, though hollow and un- 
 earthly tones, ^' thou hast tarried long. The soul, 
 wearied of its earthly tenement, pines to rejoin the 
 immortal essence from which it first emanated ! 
 Thou who art appointed to release her bonds, delay 
 thou not her flight! Speak not, question not," 
 continued he, with increasing solemnity ; ^' the 
 moments are few and fleeting : — all that hath mor 
 tal taint must die. The worm ordained by t 
 Most High to watch over thy youth has reached
 
 ADVENTURER. 359 
 
 at length the termination of his own painful 
 course; and while the etherial spark seeks ab- 
 sorption in the essence of its Creator, to thee is it 
 intrusted to consign what is earthly to its earthly 
 resting-place. Seest thou yon glorious sky, with- 
 out a cloud to stain its spotless azure, the emblem 
 of a pure and holy life ? The light fades fast, and 
 darkness will cover it as the grave covers the body, 
 yet shall it see a glorious morrow. Look upon 
 these mountains ! behold ! as the setting beams 
 flit fast from peak and summit, how each after the 
 other falls into shade : and mark yon giant cliff 
 which closes up the valley, how bright above the 
 rest it still shines in the golden ray ! Behold in 
 these the fleeting minutes of human existence, and. 
 in that, the placid sunshine which gilds the latest 
 hour of a virtuous life ! Again, observe yon little 
 silver rill, how it winds and twinkles through the 
 valley, till lost far, far away in the grey mists of 
 evening : behold in it once more the current of 
 human life. In the morning a slender stream, it 
 brawls and sparkles along its bed of pebbles ; 
 more copious at noon, it pours along a rapid and 
 impetuous torrent. As age creeps on, and the 
 ^ources of life and energy fail, the stream fails with 
 lem, till it once more becomes the slender rill : 
 mt nevel- more on earth doth it regain its strength 
 [increase its current, for man renews not his 
 like the herb of the field. When once he
 
 360 THE PERSIAN 
 
 fails, he fails for ever, and the spirit returns to him 
 that gave it. When that sun shall set — when the 
 slender current of that rill shall cease visibly to 
 flow, then is the course of the dervish finished ; 
 then shall the weary pilgrim be at rest ! 
 
 '' Now, mark my words, my son. There is a 
 tomb within this building, the resting-place of a 
 saint of the days of old. At its feet thou wilt 
 find a broad stone, inscribed with many holy sen- 
 tences. When the soul has left this tenement, 
 do thou remove that stone : by thrice repeating 
 the culmeh, it will readily obey thy hand. Beneath 
 there is a cavity, within which is the source of 
 that mysterious stream which thou seest flowing 
 in the valley; take from my arm the talisman 
 which thou wilt find bound upon it, and drop it 
 into that cavity, repeating at the same time the 
 Mussulman confession of faith ; then lay thou in 
 this body, and see that no living thing shall touch 
 it, save thyself. Replace the stone with the same 
 holy prayers, and thy task is ended. Beware that 
 thou dost faithfully discharge it ; for so only thy 
 soul shall have peace ! And now, my son, the. 
 moment of my departure is at hand. Forget not| 
 the holy precepts conveyed to thee by the moutj 
 of the dervish. Be virtuous, be faithful; ai 
 though fortune may frown for a season, truth, 
 titude, and integrity will in the end prevail!" 
 
 The dervish, while he uttered these wordj
 
 ADVENTURER. 361 
 
 reclined, so that the whole valley in its tranquil 
 beauty lay spread before his eyes. The sun was 
 fast declining ; peak after peak grew dark : but 
 still his eye was bright, and his voice firm, though 
 sepulchral. While I listened to him with absorb- 
 ing attention, a black speck appeared far off in 
 the air, which rapidly increased in size. It was a 
 large raven, which, as if attracted by the savour of 
 death, came wheeling from afar, and perched with 
 an ominous croak upon the stunted cypress. 
 ** Hence, foul demon !" cried the dervish, with an 
 unearthly shout : *^ hence ! I defy thee. Chase 
 him from hence, my son ! Let him not ap- 
 proach ! Look that he touch me not !" In- 
 voluntarily almost, I re-echoed the shout, and 
 drove the bird of ill-omen away. " Thanks to 
 thee, my son !" said the dervish, in sunken hollow 
 tones, *^ may the arm of the Most High over- 
 shadow thee for ever ! With me it is past !" 
 
 The last gleam of the sun faded from the 
 farthest cliff as the dervish uttered these words ; 
 and looking instinctively at the rivulet, its sparkle 
 appeared no more ; its stream had ceased to flow. 
 I turned to the dervish ; the brightness of his eye 
 ivas gone, — he too had ceased to be. Slowly I 
 closed the eyelids ; but as I bent over the body — 
 >uld the failing light have deceived me ? — it 
 -unhand withered in my grasp, until of the 
 and commanding, though emaciated form of 
 
 VOT. I, Q
 
 362 THE PERSIAN 
 
 my mysterious protector, there remained but a 
 shrivelled and a wasted skeleton, bearing every 
 trace of extreme age and decrepitude ! 
 
 Thrilling with amazement, and almost with 
 horror, I lifted the light though fearful bur- 
 den without difficulty ; and prepared to follow 
 the solemn injunctions of the departed spirit, 
 when a shadowy form flitted between me and the 
 light, and I perceived the same huge raven wheel- 
 ing round and round my head, with heavy swoop ; 
 seeking as it seemed to tear the body from my grasp. 
 My terror at this unexpected attack v*^as extreme ; 
 and I was considering how to rid myself of the 
 ill-omened intruder, when a beautiful white bird in 
 form like a dove, appeared descending from the 
 sky in a stream of light, and darting at the raven, 
 drove it once more, screaming, to a distance. 
 
 Without a moment's delay I applied my 
 strength to the stone, which, as the dervish fore- 
 told, yielded to the sacred adjuration. Uttering 
 a solemn prayer for the peace of the departed 
 spirit, I dropt the tahsman into the cavity, which 
 still retained a httle water. A hissing sound 
 ensued, and the grave seemed slowly closing, 
 when I rapidly deposited the body, and replace] 
 the stone. But scarcely had the prescribed fori 
 of prayer been completed when the mausoleui 
 and its contents shook violently, and crumbles 
 around me with a loud crashing noise. I saw the
 
 ADVENTURER. 363 
 
 i*aven with fluttering and extended pinions svval-^ 
 lowed up in the ruins ; while the white dove 
 soared upwards towards heaven. My head once 
 more whirled round, again my senses failed me, 
 and I fell amidst the mighty uproar, unconscious 
 of all that followed. 
 
 How long I lay in this condition, or what oc- 
 curred to me while it lasted, I never knew ; but 
 upon recovering recollection, I found myself sur- 
 rounded by several persons, whom I recognised 
 for my servants and companions of the chase ; 
 and who were endeavouring to raise me up and 
 set me upon my legs. The light was almost en- 
 tirely gone, so that objects were but faintly dis- 
 cernible, and I could not distinguish the scene 
 around me sufficiently to determine whether it 
 resembled the lonely valley, nor whether the ruins 
 of the Imaumzadeh, among which I had fallen, 
 were still visible. Several bruises, and consider- 
 able pain in many parts of my body, seemed to 
 attest the injury I had sustained in that fall ; but 
 when I inquired of my friends respecting these 
 things, they treated my words as those of one 
 whose brain was still distracted ; so I insisted no 
 fonger at the time, but suffered myself to be 
 ^conducted to the place where my horse was wait- 
 ing me ; and thence, with no small difficulty, we 
 regained the village from which we had set out. 
 I afterwards learned that the party, after having
 
 364 THE PERSIAN 
 
 met upon the height, alarmed at my long and 
 unaccountable absence, had sought for me in the 
 direction where they had heard me fire, until the 
 light had nearly gone ; and they had almost 
 given up the search in despair, when one of them 
 by chance looking over a precipice into a hollow 
 below them, had caught a glimpse of some white 
 object resembling the body of a man clothed in 
 light-coloured garments, and lying motionless on 
 the ground : it was by this accident they were led 
 to the spot where they found me stretched sense- 
 less, and as they supposed at the time, dead, 
 amongst a heap of old grey stones. 
 
 I failed not to put many questions to my friends 
 after my recovery, regarding the circumstances in 
 which they found me ; but observing that they 
 treated the matters of which I spoke as the fan- 
 cies of an overheated imagination, and experien- 
 cing a strong aversion to even hinting at the so- 
 lemn and extraordinary events which had hap- 
 pened to me in the valley, I deemed it most 
 advisable to preserve a total silence regarding all 
 that could lead to a subject which concerned no 
 one but myself, and which might, if spoken of, be 
 set down as the fanciful conceit of a weak an( 
 superstitious brain. The prudence of this resolu- 
 tion has appeared more strongly the more I havj 
 since reflected on it; not that my beUet m tl 
 events of that memorable evening has ever jbeen
 
 ADVENTIJRER. 365 
 
 shaken in the smallest degree ; but that such is 
 the perversity and incredulity of mankind, that 
 they wilfully shut their eyes against the truth, and 
 reject the plainest evidence of all facts which con- 
 sist not with their own notions of probability. 
 For my own part, the more I dwell upon each cir- 
 cumstance, the more firmly is my mind persuaded 
 that at the time I have stated, and in the valley 
 which I have described, the dervish sheikh AUee 
 Callunder resigned into the hands of Allah the 
 life which had been preternaturally sustained 
 by the will of the Almighty ; and that my own 
 hands closed his eyes, and deposited his body in 
 its silent house ; and never again accordingly did 
 the sheikh appear upon this earth. — Peace be to* 
 his soul ! Amen! 
 
 END OF VOL. I. 
 
 :oL. I.
 
 PRINTfJB BY A. J. VALPY, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREJ
 
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