First our host came forward.

He was a short, slimly-built man, of middle age, with a grave, severe expression, indicating an unsociable disposition.

We afterwards learned that he was an akhun*--that is to say, a minor officer of the Mahometan ecclesiastical administration, and at the same time a small trader in silken and woollen stuffs.

With him came the mullah, or priest, a portly old gentleman with an open, honest face of the European type, and a fine grey beard.

The other important members of the little community followed.