320 SHORT STALKS 



mystery was imparted by a low -lying cloud of smoke 

 which hid the town, and floated away in the shape of a 

 gigantic ostrich feather. The only substantial things 

 visible were the frowning black pyramid and innumerable 

 white minarets which projected through the l)lue haze, 

 while their bases were shrouded l)y it. Otliman, founder 

 of the Ottoman race, arose like a meteor from somewhere 

 within sight of this slender tower of rock — ht type of his 

 dynasty — ever threatening to fall, but saved by the inert- 

 ness of its mass, it lasts on through the ages. 



Two long days in the saddle took us within sight of 

 the desired haven. Eagerly we scanned, through our 

 glasses, the distant outline of the range, to try to make 

 out the character of the oround. The fourth morn in o- 

 found us at its base. The rest of the day was spent in 

 stumliling up a dry water-course at the bottom of a narrow 

 gorge. This natural staircase was the only access for 

 horses to the upper part of the mountain. At length, we 

 emerged upon a broken plateau, and, after winding about 

 for some time among rocky eminences, began to skirt 

 along the northern slopes near to the highest summit, and 

 overlookino- the oreat salt desert which lies in the middle 

 of Asia j\Iinor. The sun was near its setting, but we 

 could not see any dead wood about — a prime necessity of 

 a hasty camp, — nor any water. Notwithstanding this, our 

 spirits rose, for the ground looked attractive. The sloj^es 

 were scored by numerous deep ravines, and hollows covered 

 with patches of oak, while on the ridges were wide stretches 

 of the finest mountain pasture — first-rate stalking ground. 

 Delusive lio})e ! The next minute my heart sank for 1 

 saw a large flock of sheep. I knew very well what that 



