"Do you fear, merchant, that your friends the Moscov would ease you of your goods, if you happen to go near their forts?" The pedlar started. "But what care I? you may go with us if your pack horses can keep pace with our steeds; but remember that we delay not for a few bales of silk." "Thanks, noble chiefs," replied the pedlar, bowing before them; "much shall I prize your protection. But do not say that the Russians are my friends; I know them not, I hate them, I detest them, I spit upon them." "You do well, man," replied the Hadji. "But remember another time, that if you talk of peace between the sons of the Atteghei and the Moscov, while they remain on our coasts, you may chance to take a leap from a higher rock than you would like." "Your servant hears, and will follow your advice," replied the Armenian; then turning to the Prince, he presented to him a richly jewelled dagger. "Perchance, as the noble Prince Mahmood will not purchase, he will accept as a gift this dagger from his servant, to prove his love for the Atteghei, and his hatred for the Moscov. He will honour his slave much by receiving it from his hands." The Prince looked musingly at the dagger, which seemed of great value. "Take back your gift, merchant," he said; "what Mahmood requires he can purchase, and beware how you make such gifts. They are too much like the bribes the Urus offer to tempt traitorous hearts to join them. Mahmood thanks you, but cannot accept your gift." "Your slave would be more gratified if the Prince would take the trifling gift. He can repay it when he pleases." "I thank you, merchant, but I have said I will not accept your gift," replied the Prince. "Therefore take it back, and go in peace." The Armenian, as desired, took the dagger, concealing it beneath the folds of his dress, while the Prince whispered a few words into Achmet Beg's ear. The night being already far advanced, the party prepared for rest. Slaves entered the guest-house, bringing cushions and coverlids of rich silk, and spreading them on the floor, to form beds for the guests, on which the voyagers gladly threw themselves to rest. Seeing that every thing was arranged, their Princely host retired to a part of the dwelling appropriated to himself. The walls of the room were adorned by tablets with passages of the Koran written on them, while the arms of the guests, with several suits of rich armour, hung suspended around. The internal ornaments afforded a strong contrast to the primitive simplicity of the mansion, and to the simple habits and customs of its inhabitants. The manners of the chiefs, however, were courteous and knightly, resembling all we hear of the chivalry of the middle ages, or perhaps still more like the heroes of ancient Greece. The lower orders and serfs, also, are certainly less barbarous, and perhaps more intelligent than the Scottish highlanders of the same class a century ago, if it is necessary indeed to go back so far.