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)

232 THE TRAVELLER AND

agony; they then threw the whole into the lake,
the coins, one by one, were cast into the deep
water, where not a shadow of hope could be
entertained of their restoration, as the lake was
deep and known to be infested with alligators.

"The man was almost driven mad by this
unlooked-for calamity, by which he was de-
prived of the many comforts his nursed treasure
had so fairly promised him for the remainder
of life. He could devise no plan for recovering
his lost valuables, and resolved on hastening to
the nearest village, there to seek advice and
assistance from his fellow-men ; where having
related his unfortunate adventures, and de-
claring he had done nothing to anger the crea-
tures, he was asked if he had dined, and if
so, had he given them a share ? He said, he
had indeed cooked his dinner, and observed
the monkeys seated before him whilst he dined,
but he did not offer them any.

" 'That, that, is your offence !' cried the vil-
lagers in a breath ; ' who would ever think of
eating without sharing his meal with men or
with animals ? You are punished for your