acrossasiaminoro00chiluoft

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174 ACROSS ASIA MINOR ON FOOT
feelincfs and another brilliant morninf]: he waited
patiently and had nothing to say in protest.
About midday, when a little south of Gemerek,
an araha appeared, coming over a hill as if from
Kaisariyeh. For one accustomed to arahas there was
something about this vehicle, although more than a
mile away, that at once attracted attention. It was
coming down a long gentle incline where it would
naturally travel fast, but the speed attained was
greater than customary, and the general appearance
unusual. It came in a cloud of dust, yet now and
then in spite of dust the eye was conscious of
movement not to be explained.
As the araha came nearer it was seen to be drawn
by three horses abreast— instead of the usual two
that a figure was seated beside the driver, and
the speed a sharp canter. But it was the motion of
the horses and attitude of the driver and his companion
which chiefly fixed the attention. Now and
then the horses were flicked, and kept at a capering
gait out of unison, causing heads and manes to be
tossed in confusion ; now and then, too, a horse would
prance. Leaning forward from his seat, whip in
hand and holding tight reins, the driver seemed to
be producing this play as a show of skill. The figure
beside him wore a blue uniform and sat bolt upright,
the very personification of watchful alertness and importance.
It is diflicult to convey the vivid impression
made by the equipage as a whole ; but you
recognised with certainty that the driver, conscious
of unwonted dignity, was exhibiting his driving, that
the kavass beside him reflected the majesty of some
very great unseen passenger, and that this display
by team and men was exaggerated while passing a
European traveller. I wondered not a little who the
passenger might be to inspire such varied motion and
cover his servants with so much reflected importance.
Owing to the cloud of dust it was impossible to see
him well, but I made out a reclining figure, apparently
unconscious of greatness, and not a little bored by his