54 SIKHIM LAWS. 



1^0. 14. — Taking another's Wife or Adultery. 



The old law runs that if any one takes a Raja's or Lama's wife, he 

 may be banished, have his hands cut off, or his penis cut off. He 

 may also have to pay a weight in gold equal to his penis and testicles. 

 For violating a woman of different position 3oz. of gold have to be 

 paid to the woman's relations and 4 gold srang to Government, besides 

 many things in kind. 



For violation of a woman of the same position, 2 or 3 gold srang 

 and several kinds of articles have to be paid. 



If the woman goes of her own accord to the man, he has only to 

 pay 1 gold srang and three kinds of articles. 



Should one man's wife entice another married man to go with her, 

 she has to pay seven things in kind. 



Should a man and woman cohabit on a journey there is no fine. 



JS^'o. 15. — Law of Contract. 



Should any one take a loan of cattle, yaks, sheep, &c., and they 

 die in his charge, he must pay for them. Should they die one night 

 after being returned, it is the owner's loss. If they die before midnight 

 of the night they are returned, the borrower has to pay. 



Should a horse die whilst on loan from a wound, one-fourth to 

 one-third its value will have to be paid. 



Should any one having made an agreement to take anything 

 refuse to take it, the articles being good, he must pay one-fourth its 

 value. If there be any mistake in an account, it can be rectified up 

 to one year. 



i\^o. 16. — For Uncivilized People. 



Such as Bhuteas, Lepchas, Mongolians, who know no law, 

 therefore what is written below is not required in Tibet. The 

 Mongolians also have their own law, written by Raja Kesar, of 

 which we know little. 



Any Government messenger must be supplied with what he wants 

 (such as horses, food, &c.), and if not provided he can take them. 

 Also whilst halting he must be supplied with food and fire. But the 

 messenger must not draw his sword or use his bow, or he will be liable 

 to a fine, and he must only take what is necessary to the perfoi-mance 

 of the Government work. 



