PASS NEAR IMAN ZADA ISMAEL. 
11 
loss of blood and inextinguishable thirst, before chance brings 
any better-armed passengers on the same dangerous route. 
These merciless depredators are careful how they attack horse¬ 
men, and especially when they are Europeans, being well aware 
that such sort of travellers are likely to defend themselves with 
skill as well as courage. The horde rarely attempts them, with¬ 
out a superior force, and taking positions to render victory 
almost certain. The situation of most public roads near their 
haunts, commands all they want, being full of places for ambush, 
and opportunities for instant retreat. Hence they commonly 
plant themselves under cover of the loose rocks which fill the 
sides of the narrow path, and taking aim like riflemen, bring 
down every man against whom they point their arms. Death 
does not always ensue, but few, when so marked, escape without 
a wound. From this system of attack, it is obvious that march¬ 
ing in divisions through these passes, is a safer plan than jogging 
on in one unbroken line. 
August 15. Tolerably recovered health enabled Dr. Sharpe to 
pronounce himself capable of resuming our journey ; and this 
day, at a little before sun-set, we took leave of our friendly enter¬ 
tainers ; and found ourselves once more on the road; which ex¬ 
tended along the valley of Iman Zada Ismael, for about three 
miles, where it terminated, and then, taking a direction due north, 
mounted the dreaded pass. We tugged up its rough acclivities 
for upwards of two hours ; and for steepness, ruggedness, and 
savage desolation, I had hardly seen them exceeded, even by the 
stoney horrors of the Good Gara. When nearly at the summit, 
we reached a solitary tower, the station of a few officers of the 
custom, in waiting there to collect the toll or tax from pass¬ 
ing merchandise. A certain number of musqueteers give the 
c 2 
