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)

406 MEMOIR OF

hill to arrest her progress, by-whom she was
conveyed to their retreat, almost in a state of
insensibility from terror and dismay. Arriving
at their hut, however, she was cheered by the
sight of females, one of whom particularly
struck her as being very superior to her com-
panions, and in whose countenance benevolence
and pity seemed to indicate a sympathizing-
friend in this hour of severe trial. The women
were desired to release the prisoner Fatima
of her valuables, which were, in accordance
with her station, very costly both in pearls and
gold ornaments.

" Fatima overheard, during the night, some
disputes and debates between the robbers, about
the disposal of her person, one of whom was
single, and declared his willingness to marry
the girl, and so retain her with them; but Fa-
tima had, when she was seized, recognized his
countenance, having seen him before, and knew
that his connexions lived in the town of Bytool
Faakere, which she had unguardedly declared.
The robbers, therefore, dreaded detection if her
life was spared ; they were not by nature san-