TRAVELS IN CIRCASSIA. 361 



indeed were evidently a little overwhelmed by the 

 rapid increase to our party, and the general attention 

 they were attracting. So we thought it time to create 

 a diversion by the introduction of a few presents, and 

 a great many yards of printed calico were extended 

 before their glistening and admiring eyes. This, we 

 informed them, we should divide equally and im- 

 partially. At the same time I inwardly resolved to 

 secure as large a portion as possible for a charming 

 little creature who had been feeding me with chest- 

 nuts, and Avhose soft lustrous eyes and long jet lashes 

 I had compared deliberately with every other in the 

 room, and had arrived at the conclusion that they 

 were unrivalled. In virtue of this superiority, there- 

 fore, it was clear that she was entitled to the largest 

 share ; and I was just debating within myself how 

 this was to be managed, when she settled the matter 

 for herself in the most off-hand way, by making a 

 vigorous snatch at the tempting prize, evidently with 

 an idea of appropriating the whole. A beauty on the 

 other side resented so strong a measure, and firmly 

 grasped the other end. Each one now saw that it 

 would become the property of the stoutest arm, and 

 the whole of the party threw themselves into the 

 contest with frantic ardour. Not even in the most 

 excited game of hunt-the-slipper could more scram- 

 bling, screaming, pulling, and romping have been 

 displayed. It Avas utterly hopeless to attempt to 

 interfere ; crack went the calico in every direction. 



