the robbers were never found out; they put it upon the Eleauts, or wandering tribes, who, they said, had been prowling about our tent, though no one saw them. I imagined that the Khan having promised so liberally, they doubted his sincerity, and therefore helped themselves to what they could find-a genuine specimen this of Persian character. They do not even believe themselves - how can they believe each other? They say "Falsehood mixed with good intentions, is preferable to truth tending to excite strife."

"Let us be off," said I to the Khan, almost dreading that they might dispute with us even our "personals." He laughed at my ignorance of the Persian customs, boasted of his subjects, and proceeded to legislate on the affairs of the village.

Whilst he was thus occupied some eight or ten days, I strolled about on horseback into some of those pretty nooks and recesses with which the neighbourhood abounded. Amongst others, was the "Baugy Zardaloo," or apricot garden, literally so, since it was planted with these trees exclusively, forming a beautiful umbrageous retreat. The origin of this place was rather interesting.

A house, now in ruins, had been built some twenty years before by order of the Prince, for the accommodation of Mr. Williamson, an Englishman, who had come to Persia to superintend the working of the extensive copper mines supposed to exist in this district of Sheik der Abaud.

Here I found the remains of furnaces, with other fragments of mining operations. These mines form quite a history in this country. It is singular, and perhaps almost peculiar to the Persian soil, that the finest promises end in empty nothings. I speak of natural deceptions, not personal ones. I had been already taken in by the "subah kauzib," or "the false dawn;" likewise by the "sahrah," or mirage," which, to a thirsty traveller, I found to be the most tantalizing. But now I was to be taken in by finding native copper on the surface, whilst the bowels were empty veins of ore, leading to threads, and then lost, no one could tell where; there was just enough to keep up the deception for a time, and then, Persian like, they would only mock your expectations. Digging and digging,

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now we have it," said M- ; "here is a vein inexhaustible:" and after much toil it totally disappeared.

I had much experience in this village, and began to like my domicile amongst the villagers; even the dogs became civil. There is also a sort of charm about Persian servants, I mean the way in which they serve you, although you know you cannot trust them. I was plundered by them several times, but what of that? They are always ready with their prompt attention, waiting on your looks, almost anticipating your wants; and then their agreeable "belli sahib," to any thing you may ask, right or wrong. And how agreeable in the morning, on opening your eyes, to find them waiting with the "tchibook" ready lit, and the excellent cup of coffee. How many a cloud have I whiffed from my pillow, which I deem the "Persian Elysium." There is another advantage in Persian servants: if you are in a bad humour, in order to get out of it you may cuff them about like a parcel of foot-balls; they spring up again with their "belli sahib," not at all offended.

They have a curious custom in this country of endeavouring to find out a thief. They prepare the "hak-reezi," which is a heap of earth in a dark place, through which the servants are to pass

-in at one door, out at the other. It would be rather uncivil to suspect any one in particular; so to avoid personalities, you request the thief to drop the stolen articles in the earth, and nothing more will be said about it. I tried the experiment, but without success.

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CHAPTER X.

HENRY MARTIN.

Of this distinguished missionary and champion of the cross, who fearlessly unfolded his banner and proclaimed Christ amongst the bigotted Mahomedans, I have heard much in these countries, having made acquaintance with some persons who knew him, and saw (if I may so say) the last of him.

At the General's table at Erzroume (Paskevitch), I had the honour to meet graffs and princes, consisting of Russians, Georgians, Circassians, Germans, Spaniards, and Persians, all glittering in their stars and orders, such a mélange as is