Tales of the Caucasus; the Ball of Snow, and Sultanetta
Description:... This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ... Behind the fortress the sun was setting. At the foot of the cliff was the chamkal's house, and farther away, on the steepest slope, lay the town. Beyond all, to the east spread the vast steppe, and beyond the steppe stretched the blue expanse of the Caspian Sea. Tartar begs, Tchetchen princes, Cossacks from every river in Russia, hostages from every mountain, and the officers of all our regiments, formed a most curious and picturesque scene in which uniforms, tchokas, and coats of mail were mingled. The singers, dancers, and musicians made a group apart, and the soldiers took their share in the fete a few hundred paces below, their shakoes jauntily perched over one ear. The conversation turned on the quality of the different poniards of the Caucasus. Each vaunted his own as made by the best blade-smith. Captain Betovitch, who had a kandjiar purchased at Andrev and mounted at Kouba, laid a wager that he could pierce three roubles placed one on top of the other. The bet was taken; three roubles were stacked up on a block, and, left-handed though he is, Betovitch pierced the three roubles. Just then, a frightened buffalo dashed into the midst of the musicians, and to the great delight of the onlookers, created utter confusion. They scattered in all directions, dodging and leaping out of his way, and enraging him by their screams as they endeavored to escape. The furious animal aimed for the group where General Yermolof was standing. Some of the officers drew their swords, others their poniards, and placed themselves in front of the lieutenant-governor; but, brushing them all aside, he drew his schaska and stationed himself in the animal's path. The buffalo doubtless thought that he had met a worthy adversary, and bounded towards him. With...
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