44-: 



RETURN TO TIFLIS. 



shaped mass of rock on tlic opposite side of tlie valley was, 

 we were told, formerly occupied by a more ancient fortifi- 

 cation, now entirely destroyed. The ascent here becomes 

 very rapid, and the Terek falls in a succession of cascades. 

 Beyond Lars, the mountain-walls on either hand are un- 

 broken by any deep cleft, until, through a sudden opening 

 on the right, the upper portion of the glacier of Devdorak 





Fort of Dariel. 



and the summit of Kazbek come into view, and, to an eye 

 unaccustomed to scenery on such a scale, seem close at 

 hand. The tower of rock on the ridge between the two 

 glaciers is easily recognisable. Close to the spot at which, 

 two months before, we had crossed the Terek on to the 

 highroad, we met one of our old porters, who hailed us 

 with enthusiasm. At Kazbek posthouse the German- 



