Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 2) (London, 1832)

62 ANECDOTE OF THE

the place. They seemed to have no dread of
the reptiles, and accounted for it by saying
they were invulnerable to the snakes' venom;
the creatures were then fearlessly seized one
by one by the men, and finally deposited in
their basket.

" ' They appear very tame,' thought the
Moonshie, as he observed the men's actions:
' I am outwitted at last, I believe, with all my
boasted vigilance ; but I will yet endeavour to
find them out.-—Friend,' said he aloud, ' here is
your reward,' holding the promised money to-
wards the principal; ' take it, and away with
you both; the snakes are mine, and I shall
not allow you to remove them hence.'

" ' Why, Sahib,' replied the man, 'what will
you do with the creatures ? they cannot be
worth your keeping; besides, it is the dustoor
(custom) ; we always have the snakes we catch
for our perquisite.'—* It is of no consequence
to you, friend, how I may dispose of the
snakes,' said the Moonshie; ' I am to suppose
they have been bred in my house, and having
done no injury to my people, I may be allowed