ALCHEMY III 



setting off for his ill-omened expedition to the Deccan. 

 From that expedition the Emperor never returned. 

 After years passed in the unsuccessful efforts to crush 

 the rising power of the Mahrattas there in the Deccan, 

 the Emperor died, and died, so the tradition asserts, 

 without confiding to anyone the secret of where his 

 treasure was concealed. So wherever that place may 

 be, there the treasure still remains. To find the spot is 

 the object of every searcher, and many have wasted 

 their lives and means in the attempt. 



Having said so much on treasure-seeking and 

 alchemy, I should like to add a few words regarding 

 ghosts and magic. But the subjects are too comprehen- 

 sive to be here in this chapter discussed. I will return 

 instead to the insects and animals, and describe now 

 some of those that inhabit the house, for hitherto 

 I have discoursed chiefly of those that live in the 

 garden. The most conspicuous of these house animals 

 are the lizards. They are not pretty creatures. Indeed, 

 to a European newly arrived in the country their 

 appearance is decidedly unpleasant. Their colour is 

 a dull mud tint, and, with their thick, fleshy tails and 

 rather swollen bodies, they suggest something of the 

 toad. But this impression soon wears off. Before long 

 one gets quite to like the little creatures, and to take 

 an interest in watching their movements. They are 

 perfectly harmless, and not in the least troublesome. 

 They do not hide in the furniture, nor crawl over the 

 floor ; they confine themselves entirely to the walls 

 and ceilings. 



During the day-time they move but little. They 



