H. S DEPARTURE. 
leading over the mountains behind the hut 
The laden horses with their leaders and the 
human carriers had climbed the steep bank 
which hanks the house, and were winding along 
the crest of the spur. The ponies for II. and 
the guide stood ready ; we bade the latter pro- 
ceed, for I meant to accompany H. a little way 
on foot. Turning to me with a courteous 
gesture, and with earnest mien, the guide thus 
addressed me — " Madam, have no fear ; God 
will stay with you. Let no anxiety distress 
you ; if harm comes to your husband, it must be 
over my dead body, for I will protect him with 
my life.” Then, with a bow befitting a courtier, 
he departed. 
The number of horses was insufficient for the 
baggage ; but on reaching the next “ kingdom ” 
— which the word “ district ” might better ex- 
press — those from Montael will be returned, and 
if horses are plentiful in Turskam, more will be 
sent back for the remainder of the packages. 
On arriving at the residence of the chief of each 
kingdom, horses to the number of those arriving 
must be supplied for the forward journey, while 
those which have accompanied so far from the 
adjoining kingdom return. 
I had to-day news of how they are faring. 
