The Hidden Treasure
more minutes to a last survey. I reached a high point whence
I could see how the end of the mountain dipped down to the
Saidmarreh on one side and the plain of Shirwan on the other.
In the east was the northern wall of the Unbelievers' Defile
where we had travelled: the upper edge of that precipice
was just visible. I made a careful note of the landscape and
position, and with a little breath again in my body, started
to race back along the ridge as I had come. A hare leaped
out and scuttered from under my feet. A jay screeched in
the trees. I could not think, but went counting my steps
mechanically to make myself keep on. And after hours as it
seemed, I saw the policeman and Sa'id Ja'far, still placidly rest-
ing under the oak tree, and the grey mare browsing near-by.
That was the end of the treasure hunt. And what there
may be in the cave of the mountain still remains a mystery.
Sa'id Ja'far and the policeman had been getting anxious.
Husein soon returned and showed great joy and surprise at
finding me: he could not think how he had missed me on the
ridge. As quickly as we could, for we had no time to lose,
we started homeward; and had descended, and reached again
the track to Shirwan, when we saw Ali and another man, a
policeman, coming to meet us, with the lieutenant's fine bay
and a second water-skin, a thoughtful offering on his part.
The rest of the descent was a long affair, and the white
limestone as bad downhill as up for the horse's feet. Between
one skid and another, the day's adventure with the brigands
was recounted. Our own policeman, a pleasant healthy
peasant lad from Kermenshah, showed his cartridge-belt
with the cartridge missing: he was pleased and relieved
because the lieutenant had sent words of praise. I took little
part in all this, for my heart still seemed to be pounding my
ribs after that hectic race. But presently I was roused by the
maa who came with Ali, who asked if I had seen the cave.