MODE OF SETTLING BAKGATNS. 81 



pecuniary matters of tlie wild and bloodthirsty 

 Maliomedan tribes amongst whom they dwell, 

 that self-interest very generally insures their 

 protection. As the didlaul, or broker, in Plin- 

 dustan generally settles every bargain, so the 

 like practice has been introduced by the Hin- 

 doos into the countries west of the Indus, where, 

 according to Captain Postans, the smallest 

 bargain is never struck between two natives 

 without the intervention of the Hindoo dullaul 

 or broker : who, covering his hand with a 

 large cloth, runs backwards and forwards be- 

 tween the parties, grasping alternately a hand 

 of each. The cloth is used to cover certain 

 signs which are conveyed as to the amount 

 oifered, by squeezing the joints of the fingers, 

 which stand for units, tens, or hundreds, as 

 the case may be : thus the bystanders are kept 

 in the dark as to the price at which an article is 

 sold, and irritation avoided at offering before 

 others a lower sum than is expected would 

 be taken. This is precisely the practice that 

 obtains in India. 



The Hindoo traders of Sindli are generally 

 abject in manner, but those in Government 

 employ arc as independent in bearing as 



VOL. II. 6 



