THEIR MANNERS. 
83 
talking, bawling, and vociferating at once, accompanying the 
uproar with gesticulations so violent, (the subject too being the 
best way of repairing the fractured iron,) that I expected every 
moment they would end the dispute with blows upon them¬ 
selves. A gentleman, who was then with me, (and who, from 
his situation as inspector of the roads, is well acquainted with 
the character of the natives,) told me this is their universal 
mode of conversation. They were now amicably discussing the 
subject in debate; but when argument really becomes hostile 
contention, then, my informant said, the tumult was beyond 
imagination: dreadful threats, drawn daggers, in short, every 
species of menace and uproar; but all, as generally, ending in 
mere noise and vapour; animosities on both sides being soon 
drowned in brandy. Though it is so seldom that blows or 
bloodshed terminate these differences, yet a law, or rather a cus¬ 
tom, exists among them, which bears some evidence that dis¬ 
putes did not always end so peaceably. The same law is in use 
with the Kabardans, and most other mountain-tribes. Should 
any individual fall by the hand of his neighbour, the nearest 
relation of the deceased is to take vengeance on the perpetrator 
of the murder. Instances, however, have occurred, (and they 
are now more frequent,) where the injured party compounds 
with the other for a sum of money, or a matrimonial alliance 
with a good dower: the feud then terminates; and often, even 
closer friendship unites the two families. 
In about two hours, the repairs of my carriage were com¬ 
pleted ; but, in the meanwhile, most of my fellow-travellers had 
proceeded, leaving me to follow at my own time; which I did, as 
speedily as possible, with an escort of twenty-five soldiers : 
fifteen were armed with muskets ; the purpose of the others was 
m 2 
