Page:Kennedy, Robert John - A Journey in Khorassan (1890).djvu/65

Rh along the valley, which widened at intervals, but was nowhere much more than a mile or so in breadth, until we reached the fortified village of Huntalabad, perched in a commanding position on the cliffs, where there is a certain amount of cultivation, but where supplies are with difficulty procured. The night was very cold, owing to our close proximity to the mountains, and we were glad to warm the interior of our sleeping tent with a 'mongol,' or large iron brazier filled with glowing embers.

Sunday morning, March 30th, however, dawned bright and sunny, and the pleasant change from the cold and wet of the previous day was greatly appreciated by us all. We struck our camp soon after seven, and proceeded north-east, after a mile ascending east-north-east by a short, steep path. After four miles we reached the foot of the Tamoura pass, the ascent of which was steep, rocky, and, in places, almost impassable for horses. After an hour's scrambling up a goat path we reached the summit, whence we enjoyed a splendid view, as far as the hills joining the