he Halmund, been inhabited to a certain extent until a much
later date. The local accounts, at least, would point to that conclusion.

A dry canal exists, which we shall cross on our way to the Beluchistan
frontier; it is fed by the Halmund, north of Kala-i-Fath, and strikes
across the plain in a westerly direction.

If all the accounts given by people who have been there are taken into
consideration, together with the photographs here given, which seem to me
to show that the place was one of unusual grandeur; if the fact is
grasped that, whether considered as a single city or a conglomeration of
adjoining successive cities, Zaidan was undoubtedly a continuous and
uninterrupted row of houses of no less than eighty-six miles; I think
that whatever theories may be expounded by the usual scientific
speculator at home, the fact must remain that this ancient London of Asia
marks a period of astounding prosperity in the history of Eastern
Persia.

FOOTNOTES:

[6] I think this must be a mistake; it should be to the north.--A.H.S.L.

CHAPTER XXIV

Departure from Sistan--Dadi--Not one's idea of a pasture--The
Kuh-i-Kwajah--Its altitude--The "City of roars of
laughter"--Interesting ascent to the summit--A water
reservoir--Family graves--Dead-houses--A grave with thirty-eight
compartments--The Gandun Piran Ziarat--Scrolls and
inscriptions--Priest's house--Modern graves--Skulls and their
characteristics--A smaller Ziarat--The Kuk fort--A bird's-eye
view of Kala-i-Kakaha city--Strange legends about the city--Why
Kala-i-Kakaha is famous.

Owing to the tender care of Major and Mrs. Benn I was, at the beginning
of 1902, in a fair condition of strength to undertake the journey of 600
miles on camels across Northern Beluchistan to Quetta. With the help of
Major Benn I made up a fresh caravan entirely of running camels, and
expected therefore to be able to travel very fast. The camels selected
were excellent, and the two Beluch drivers who came with me most
faithful, considerate and excellent servants. Sadek also accompanied me.

Everything was made ready to start by January 2nd, but some hitch or
other occurred daily, and it was not till January 10th that I was able to
take my departure--sorry indeed to say good-bye to my new good friends,
Major and Mrs. Benn, to whose charmingly thoughtful care I altogether
owed it that I was now able to proceed in good health.

The hour of