Rashid would have it they were leopards, I said lynxes, and our English friend, in moments of depression, thought of polecats.

But, though we scoured the mountain all that day, advancing with the utmost caution and in open order, as our guide enjoined, we saw no creature of the feline tribe.

Lizards, basking motionless upon the rocks, slid off like lightning when aware of our approach.

Two splendid eagles from an eyrie on the crags above hovered and wheeled, observing us, their shadows like two moving spots of ink upon the mountain-side.

A drowsy owl was put up from a cave, and one of our adherents swore he heard a partridge calling.