these simple customs, which are rapidly disappearing. They left always some sufficient remuneration as a memento of their journey. That evening the team, fatigued by such a long stage, stopped at the bourgade of Arabat, at the southern extremity of the "Arrow." There a fortress has been erected, and is surrounded by houses scattered in all directions. All about this part of the country are quantities of fennel, the hiding-places of adders; and whole fields of water-melons, the crop of which is very abundant.
It was nine o'clock in the evening when the chaise was stopped before an auberge of small pretensions. It was the best in the place. In the forsaken Chersonese it does not pay to be too particular, and our travellers had to put up with the inn.
"Nephew Ahmet," said Kéraban, "we have travelled for many days and nights without any more delay than was necessary to change horses. Now, for my own part, I shall not be sorry to have a few hours' sleep, even in a hotel bed!"
"I shall be delighted to do the same," said Van Mitten, rubbing his hips to get rid of his stiffness.
"What! lose twelve hours?" exclaimed Ahmet. "Twelve hours in a journey of six weeks?"
"Do you wish to argue the point?" asked Kéraban, in the slightly aggressive tone he usually adopted.
"No, uncle—no," said Ahmet. "When you have need of repose—"
"Well, I have need of repose now; so has Van Mitten and Bruno, I suppose, as well as Nizib, who is only too glad to get it."
"Seigneur Kéraban," said Bruno, "I regard this idea of yours as one of the best you have ever had, and all the more praiseworthy if supper be included and served first."
This suggestion of Bruno was very much to the point, as the provisions which had been carried in the chaise were rapidly diminishing, and what remained it would be necessary to leave untouched until the travellers reached Kertsch, an important town in the peninsula of the same name, where they could obtain an abundant supply.
