Untitled

148 THE EXPLORATION OF THE CAUCASUS
and camp- utensils. Six horses curried the load ; on a seventh
rode our temporary attendant, a Vladikavkaz Cossack. On the
top of the pots and kettles was perched the melancholy Finkelstein,
a Jew, whom we had picked up in Vladikavkaz, and who served us
faithfully, and on the whole efficiently, as cook and camp-manager.
Great was the talk, loud and long the argument, over the distri-
bution of burdens, each owner striving to secure the lightest for his
own animal. At last, amid the barking of curs and the grunting
THE INIEKI'KETER AND BAGGAGE TRAIN
of human beings — the Caucasian gi'unt is a special accomplish-
At the moment of departure
ment—our Exodus was accomplished.
Captain Powell was laid hands on by a native, who, simulating a fine
frenzy, gesticulated violently and flourished his broad dagger. His
words, being interpreted, proved to be to this effect :— '
I, your
it must
post-boy, have driven you here ; it is off the ; post-road
be reckoned two posts, and I have only the payment for one :
if I do not receive double fare I shall be dishonoured, and my
family will be covered with perpetual shame. Let me receive
what I ask, or I will kill myself on the spot, and my spirit shall