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was robbed on his way up river, had been cautioned not to 

 proceed on, as there was a band of dacoits lying in wait for a rich 

 merchant, who was coming up from Bhamo with three boats of 

 valuables. They evidently referred to myself and party. The 

 love for gain, however, induced the trader to push forward, which 

 resulted in the loss of both life and property. 



286. I here had a most providential escape : as it was only 

 by my boatmen refusing to hug the right bank on account of the 

 rapidity of the current that we were not drawn into an engage- 

 ment, for just after crossing to the opposite shore, I noticed a gang 

 of some fifty men emerge from the jungle, but they did not 

 engage further attention. The only matter of surprise is that these 

 Kakhyens do not commit greater depredations, considering 

 they have no one to fear. Cases of plunder and even murder, when 

 reported to the Woon, are simply disposed of by a demand for 

 blood-money from the Tswabwa of the offending tribe, who, on the 

 X)ther hand, sets forth a counterplea that his people were merely 

 paying off an old grudge, eventually making what settlement 

 he thinks fit. It had been my intention to diverge here and visit 

 the hills to the east ; but my guide, Moung Oung, refused to give 

 his consent, owing to the disturbed state of the country, and the 

 head-man of Thagahya having declined either to countenance the 

 journey or furnish me with coolies or a guide. Started my boat at 

 10 a.m. for Winemew, proceeding myself by land, the distance not 

 exceeding a mile and a half, though the route by water, owing to 

 the tortuous windings of the river, is quadrupled. Here I was told 

 Winemew is the last Shan-Burman village met with, and the most 

 northerly point to which traders venture. The names of other 

 hamlets were mentioned, but they are insignificant in size, and 

 peopled by the Lapee tribes, who fear neither God nor man, and 

 gain a livelihood by their swords. Winemew, which comprised 

 some thirty houses, is protected by a strong barricade of stout tim- 

 ber, eight feet high, planted firmly in the ground, and a double 

 outer walling of bamboos. It is situated on a high bank of yellow 

 clay fronting the river, which does not exceed a hundred yards 

 from shore to shore, while the expansive water at this season is not 

 over a third of that- breadth. To the west is a densely-wooded 

 alluvial plain, extending to the base of the mountain, which is about 

 two miles distant. Representatives of Mogul and Suratee firms 

 of Bhamo are here to be seen, living on bamboo-rafts, with a 

 small supply of chintze, twists, thread, beads, opium, and salt, 

 which they barter for ivory, jade, rubber, amber, hides, and 

 silver. The insecurity of their position is admitted ; but the 

 handsome profits they realize, seem a sufficient inducement to 



