26 TO SIRINUGGUR. 



tions : and after some vociferations, and making as though 

 he would apply to me, who cruelly stopped the address 

 with threats of further coercive measures, he roused him- 

 self, and set to work with activity to get what was required. 



M. Olive came up : he had intended going right on to 

 Sirinuggur, expecting horses out to meet him, with his 

 city man of business. The latter did appear, and informed 

 him that the ponies were sent the other road, it being 

 understood he would enter the valley of Baramoolah. 

 M. 0. decided to remain, and readily accepted my invitation 

 ' a gouter : ' when with some biscuits and potted bloaters, 

 washed down by a bottle of excellent hock, we contrived 

 to open the sources of our eloquence, and sat out regard- 

 less of the sun which, though the air was pleasant and 

 fresh, had a powerful tanning effect, as my face indicated 

 on retiring to my tent. Previous to thus taking ' tiffin/ 

 I proposed to M. Olive that we should unite our provisions 

 and dine together, as I had some claret on which I wished 

 to have his judgment pronounced. He readily assented, 

 remarking that his khansamah should have orders to 

 combine culinary operations with mine. 



I strolled out, and went in the direction of Sirinuggur, 

 looking to obtain a view of that city, but could only 

 discern its site, indicated by the fort of Hari-Parbut, 

 conspicuous on a solitary hill, and by the poplar trees, 

 forming avenues round the city. 



I returned and sat down to dinner with M. Olive, who, 

 by the bye, added nothing to the repast, apologising as 

 he had intended dining at Sirinuggur. However, I had 

 abundance, and the claret was greatly admired, and fully 

 appreciated, M. Olive declaring it to be ' une veritable 

 acquisition ' : it had, however, considerable body, so we 

 did not drink more than half the bottle sufficient again 

 to engage us in uninterrupted conversation. 



