OF THE OLD WORLD. 117 



fine mangoes, which were plucked and offered for our 

 inspection. 



The performance was deservedly much applauded, 

 but the operator was looked upon with niucli dis- 

 trust and suspicion by the natives, who imagined he 

 did everything by supernatural agency ; for when 1 

 cut the mangoe he presented to me and offered half 

 of it to the little Mussulman nee girl who sat at my 

 feet, she actually shuddered as she put it away from 

 her, begging me in the name of Allah not to eat any 

 of it, as it could not be otherwise than bad, coming 

 from such a source. 



I however ate it, and found it very good, though 

 I could not persuade any of the natives lo taste it. 



The next trick was also exceedingly good, and 

 merits description. He crouched down before the 

 stone image of the goddess, and, making a most pro- 

 found obeisance, thanked her for the favour he had 

 found in the eyes of the honourable company then 

 assembled, and declared himself her most humble 

 votary from that moment ; and in confirmation of 

 which solemn vow he declared that he would im- 

 mediately sacrifice his only daughter, and hencefor- 

 ward devote himself to her service. He told his 

 intentions to a beautiful little girl, about six years 

 old, who was sitting near, and she began to cry and 

 struggle in a most natural manner ; but he seized 

 her, and, after stripping off all her jewels and ujtper 

 clothing, and loosening her long black hair, which 

 fell over her little naked breast and shoulders, de- 



