TRIP TO VLADIKAVKAZ AND KARBARDA 225 



Nina's entire family. Her father's flocks increased and 

 multiplied until the hill-sides were peppered white with 

 their numbers ; her sisters married the most influential 

 surrounding chiefs, and her brothers overcame all 

 enemies in battle. Nina, of course, knew very well that 

 her fascinations had exercised their wonted charm, 

 but womanlike she chose to affect ignorance, and let 

 it be known that she was on the look-out for a likely 

 Ossete suitor. Perhaps she thought a Spirit-husband 

 would pall after a while. But as to this the yamschik 

 would not enlighten us. When we interrupted he 

 sulked for two or three minutes ere he would resume 

 the yarn again. 



Gaud evolved the brilliant idea of masquerading as 

 an Ossete warrior, and by his valour winning Nina's 

 love for himself alone, but, unfortunately, before the 

 scheme could be carried into effect the girl met her 

 fate in a fine upstanding youth named Sasycho, a 

 really heroic-looking Ossete who could outdo all his 

 fellows in shooting, riding, and dancing. And that 

 meant a lot in a tribe who are all terpsichorean artists, 

 all fair equestrians, and all brilliant marksmen. 



The Mountain Spirit and the Green-Eyed Monster 

 joined forces, and proceeded to lead Sasycho a terrible 

 life. Snowstorms, avalanches, rocks, and fogs beset the 

 young man, and it became quite unsafe for anyone to 

 remain in his company for long. Only the intrepid 

 Nina was regardless. Gaud might rage, but there it 

 was ! The girl and Sasycho were always together. 



In his wrath the Spirit called an extra special 

 avalanche to his aid, and the great sweeping snow- 

 Q 



