A TOWN OF CONTRASTS. 139 



patting a rapid tune. Certainly I did not enjoy 

 them going down the steep hills. The boy 

 between the shafts in front hits the landscape 

 about every forty feet. I do not really object 

 to sudden death, but this form of it seemed 

 unfair to some poor hungry lion. 



However, the winding smooth roads among 

 the forested, shaded bungalows of the upper 

 part of town were very attractive, especially to- 

 wards evening. At that time the universal sun- 

 helmet or double terai could be laid aside for 

 straw hats, cloth caps, or bare heads. People 

 played the more violent games, or strolled idly. 

 At the hotel there was now a good deal of foolish 

 drinking ; foolish, because in this climate it is 

 very bad for the human system, and in these sur- 

 roundings of much interest and excitement the 

 relief of its exaltation from monotony or ennui or 

 routine could hardly be required. 



