Page:Burke, W.S. - Cycling in Bengal (1898).djvu/37

 Railways. It also boasts one of Kellner's Refreshment Rooms, and with this we are most concerned at present.

From Assansol to the Barakar Dâk Bungalow is about nine miles, and it is a steady climb nearly all the way. The road is mostly indifferent, being much cut up by bullock cart traffic, but the surroundings are novel, and the distant view of the hills with Panchkote looming big on the right is refreshing to the plainsman. Just after passing the 149th milestone we come to a collection of huts, and at the end the turning to the left takes us up to the Dâk Bungalow. It is one of the best in Bengal, situated high up on a spur overlooking the Barakar river. In the winter we are glad of a roaring fire, sitting in front of which, while lingering over the postprandial pipe, we can, if so disposed, conjure up happy memories of the yule logs of old times ere we came to hunt the depreciated rupee in sunny Ind.