Page:Kéraban the Inflexible Part 1 (Jules Verne).djvu/48

50 "But just think for a moment"

"Do you know the Bosphorus?"

"Yes."

"There is scarce half a league of water between here and Scutari?"

"I believe so."

"Well then, whenever there is the least wind, I am always ill when crossing in my caïque."

"Sea-sick?" inquired Van Mitten.

"I should be equally upset on a pond or in a bath. So now speak to me again about crossing the Black Sea, if you dare. Just dare to suggest to me any transit by sailing vessel again! try it!"

We need scarcely add that the worthy Dutchman did not discuss the question farther, and the suggestion dropped.

But how should they proceed? Communications were not easily made—at least in Turkey; but they are not impossible. On the ordinary routes relays could be found, and the travellers could journey on horseback, with provisions and supplies and with a guide—at least they could put themselves under the care of the Tartar courier who is charged with the postal service. But as the courier has only a limited time to proceed from one station to another, to follow him would induce too much fatigue; and to those unaccustomed to such rapid travelling, riding "post haste" was out of the question.

In any case the Seigneur Kéraban did not intend to travel in this manner. He would proceed rapidly, but comfortably. It was merely a question of expense, and that would have no weight with the rich merchant of Galata.

"Well," said Van Mitten in a resigned tone, "since we can't travel by railway, steamboat or sailing vessel, how do you propose that we shall proceed?"

"By post-chaise."

"With your own horses?"

"With relays."

"And do you expect to find relays all along the route?"

"Yes, I do."

"They will be very expensive!"