OF THE OLD WORLD, 407 



by Abdulla, for the benefit of that part of my 

 audience who could not understand the former 

 lan<i;uaG:e. 



I explained my views, announcing my intention 

 of exploring the El-Bruz, (which I could see caused 

 supercilious smiles amongst some of the party,) and 

 finished off by presenting the chief with a pair of 

 brass-mounted pistols, a looking-glass, some scarlet 

 cloth, and a piece of gold-lace for his harem. 

 Although evidently much pleased with my little 

 attention — for he was profuse in his thanks and 

 offers of service — he shook his head and looked 

 grave when I aojain brou2;ht the El-Bruz on the 

 tapis, assuring me that the ascent was impossible, 

 not only on account of the depth of snow, but also 

 because it was inhabited by evil spirits, such as 

 " gins," " afrits," and " gholes," who would not allow 

 any mortal to penetrate into their sanctuaries. I 

 made light of his fears, repeating the Mussulman 

 creed — "Allah e Allah, Mahomed Roosool il hum 

 du lilla" and declared that I would make the at- 

 tempt even if I knew the place to be the haunt of 

 all the shytans of Jehannum.* This was a 

 " clincher," and after some discussion between 

 Ishmael, (our guide,) Cassim, and some of the 

 elders of the tribe, it was settled that two of their 

 number should accompany us, as they knew more 

 about the mountain than any one else, having been 

 obliged at one time to take refuge there when pur- 



• Shytans of Jehannum — demons of the infernal regions. 



