CHAPTER XVI.

PASS OF DUMBELEK. HIGH RANGES OF TAURUS. EFRENK.

Change in the Climate since our Former Visit—Unable to Obtain Baggage Horses—High Charges of the Khanji—Greed and Overreaching Spirit of Most Oriental Christians—Their General Character when they become Rich—Village of Ibrala—A Cool Reception—The Evening Prayer—Rocky Plateau above Ibrala to the Base of the High Mountains—No Water for Seven Hours’ March—Fountain, but no Shade—Characteristic Reply of an Old Osmanli Shepherd—Camp of Mustafa Tekerlèk—Appearance and Behaviour of the Yourouk Chief—An Alvanlö Villager in Hiding—Yourouks Necessary in these Mountains for the Safety of Travellers—Mustafa examines our Souriji—A Starvation Supper—The Tea Plant grows Wild here—Our Revolvers—Obtrusive Behaviour of the Alvanlö Man—Mustafa’s Heart fails Him—Turkish Form of Taking Leave—We Learn more about Mustafa Tekerlèk—Descent into Valley of Efrenk—Our Lodging for the Night—Humidity of the Valley—A Case of Sunstroke 431-447