168 SAVAGE SVANETIA. 



generous confidence of the people, and their 

 appreciation of English honesty. 



As I write, it occurs to me that though 

 the money was repaid by me to the gentleman 

 indicated by my friend as his banker in 

 Kutais, whose receipt I still hold, I have 

 never since heard from this friend in need, and 

 if he should ever read these lines, I should be 

 glad to hear that he got his own again in 

 safety. 



Having thus obtained the sinews of war, 

 Frank and I parted the same evening, 

 Platon and I turning our heads to the forest, 

 towards which we intended to ride one stage 

 by moonlight before resting for the night, 

 and Frank prepared to start next morning for 

 Kutais. 



The road chosen by my companion's guides 

 was an easier and more direct one than that by 

 which we had come to Betcho ; but in spite of 

 all I had said to them they did not spoil their 



