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It is a green and pleasant
spot. Nor is there any place in the world where a soldier might lie in
braver company.
After Mardan the road becomes more dusty, and the surrounding country
barren and arid. [This description applies to the autumn season. In the
winter and spring the country for a time is green and the air cold.] The
mountains are approached, and as the tonga advances their shapes and
colours are more distinctly seen. A few knolls and ridges rising from
the level plain, mark the outposts of that great array of hills.
Crossing a shallow stream--a tributary of the Cabul River, Jalala, the
second stage is reached. In peace time a small mud fort is the only
indication, but this is expanded by the proximity of war to a
considerable camp, with an entrenchment around it. Stopping only to
change ponies, for it is a forsaken spot, the journey is resumed. The
avenue of trees on either side has ceased. The road is seen simply as a
white streak stretching towards the mountains. It is traversed in a
sweltering heat and choking dust.


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