244 TRAVEL, ADVENTURE, AND SPORT. 



There is a fort of some size here, but of no strength. 

 All the houses are made of mud, the outer walls being 

 solid and the inner partitions supported by wooden 

 framework ; they are of a considerable size, and the 

 rooms are lofty, but unornamented, and without 

 windows ; if sufficient light cannot be procured from 

 the doorway, a hole is knocked in the roof. Water 

 is so near the surface that it is necessary to lay a 

 foundation of wood or stone for all the walls. The 

 gardens in the neighbourhood of the town are very 

 numerous, and appear to be kept with much care. 

 The bazaar was crowded, the streets narrow and dirty : 

 the climate is delicious. In the evening I was sum- 

 moned to the Khan Huzarut's presence. His highness 

 received me very graciously. There is no pomp or 

 show about his Court, no guards whatever, and I did 

 not see a jewel of any sort. The Court robes are the 

 same as those of the working people a cotton stuffed 

 cloak, and a high black lambskin cap. I was informed 

 that it would be " out of order " if I appeared before 

 the Khan without my boots. It was in vain to point 

 to my Wellingtons these were pronounced as nothing; 

 so, rather than be suspected of disrespect, I pulled on 

 a large pair of Afghan riding-boots over my gold- 

 laced pantaloons : these, with my beard, made rather 

 curious additions to the undress uniform of the gallant 

 Bengal artillery. I fancy by appearing booted it is 

 meant to show that you are ready to obey the Khan's 

 orders at a moment's notice. 



