PONDICHERRY. 105 



large cymbals suspended from bamboo poles, others 

 tall, bright-coloured umbrellas and banners. Presently 

 another palankeen, this time of silver, made its appear- 

 ance, bearing a bilious-looking youth, got up like his 

 superior and similarly attended. It was a curious 

 sight, and altogether I felt well satisfied with my 

 day's work. 



By the time I reached Madras the hedges were 

 brilliantly alive with fire flies, and as I turned into my 

 host's gates I heard the gong sound within, which 

 called up visions of a pleasant repast, not at all to be 

 despised after the fatigues of the day. 



A few days later a friend of mine being about to 

 start on a short trip to Pondicherry, persuaded me to 

 join him, and I was glad of the opportunity, as the sea 

 voyage would be pleasant during the hot weather we 

 were then enduring, and so we found it. We 

 approached the shore of the little French colony just 

 in time to witness a grand sunset, throwing a peculiar 

 crimson glow over the whole sky and reflecting the same 

 tint, instead of the orthodox golden light, all along the 

 coastline, studded with houses and palm trees. There 

 is nothing remarkable about the town ; it is exceedingly 

 clean, possesses a large church and a fine Governor's 

 residence and garden. I believe there are only two or 

 three carriages in the colony, and very few horses ; 



