210 SAVAGE SVANETIA. 



Here, amongst the charred stumps of the trees, 

 grew the finest crop of maize I have ever seen ; 

 and after much shouting a handsome young 

 fellow came along through the tall shafts of 

 the maize, his long locks of black hair hanging 

 wet and heavy on his bare shoulders, and only 

 a pair of loose linen trowsers reaching to his 

 knee to redeem him from the charge of 

 nakedness. 



To our inquiry as to shelter he gave but 

 a doubtful answer, offering, however, to show 

 us where he lived. In and out amongst his 

 crop he led us until we came to a tiny shed 

 roughly thatched with timber, in one compart- 

 ment of which dwelt a goat, and in the other 

 himself and his sister, a beautiful child of 

 about twelve. 



The shed was entirely open on one side, 

 and more or less so all round, but better 

 shelter was not to be had, so we secured it 

 gladly. He and his sister contentedly shared 



