Page:Kéraban the Inflexible Part 1 (Jules Verne).djvu/165

Rh be an easy matter to revictual in the deserts of Lazistan and Anatolia. So, you see, I have not a moment to lose."

"But when you have done that," said the Dutchman, "have we not plenty of time?"

"When I have seen to the provisions," replied Ahmet, "I must look to our carriage and get the wheelwright to examine the screws and grease the axles; I must examine the reins and the drag. It will never do to find any repairs are required after we have passed the frontier. I intend to put the chaise in thorough repair, and I depend upon its lasting to the end of this wonderful journey of ours."

"Quite right. But when you have seen to all that?"

"Then I will examine the relays, and I must go to the postmaster to arrange that."

"Very well; but after that?" said Van Mitten, who would not relinquish his idea.

"After that it will be time to start," replied Ahmet, "and we shall be off. So I must leave you."

"One moment, my young friend," said the Dutchman. "Let me ask you a question."

"Speak, but quickly, please, M. Van Mitten."

"You are doubtless aware of what is worth seeing in this province of Mingrelia."

"Pretty well!"

"It is the country watered by the poetic Phasis, whose waters deposited gold dust upon the marble steps of the palaces built upon its banks."

"Quite so."

"Here is the legendary Colchis, where Jason and his Argonauts, assisted by the magician Medea, obtained the Golden Fleece guarded by a formidable dragon, without mentioning the terrible bulls which vomited flame."

"I do not deny it."

"Finally now, in those mountains yonder is the rock of Khomli, overlooking Koutaïs, to which Prometheus was bound, and where the vultures eternally feed upon his entrails, as a punishment for having stolen the bolts of heaven.”

"Nothing is more true, M. Van Mitten, but I repeat I am in a hurry. But what are you coming to?"