A BARGAIN IX LAMB. 169 



This morning Santan came to say we have no more fresh 

 meat, and he wished to consult me regarding buying a 

 sheep. As he invariably buys what he wants without 

 reference to anybody, I felt pretty sure this only meant a 

 prelude to some petty robbery. He thinks six rupees is 

 too much for a lamb, and has offered five and a half, which 

 the owner won't take. Mutton must be had, so I told him 

 to give what the man wanted. Santan is evidently dis- 

 appointed, having, I am since told, the idea that I should 

 order him to take the beast, give what he thought fair (which 

 would have been nothing), and charge us five and a half 

 rupees. The owner of the sheep apparently had the same 

 idea, for he had prudently driven it away, and Santan 

 returned nearly in tears : " Hi. sheep gone back to 

 jungle." 



Shortly afterwards, when half-a-dozen people appeared 

 with a lamb, I presumed the man had relented. Santan was 

 not present, but the cook volunteered that the lamb was a. 

 beautiful one, "Very fat, very good, and only five and a 

 half rupees." So he was bought. In about an hour another 

 little procession came in sight, headed by Santan, also with 

 a lamb, which he brought to me with pride, and pointed out 

 all its good points. I was obliged to break to him that the 

 cook had bought one, which could not be exchanged as it 

 was already killed. Santan lifted up his voice and wept. 

 The cook had stolen a march on him ; and for the first time 



