PRESENTATION OF "NUZZUR." 249 



that the old white-bearded patriarcli of the village 

 had coine to pay a formal visit and present his 

 humble " nuzzur " (the offering of an inferior to a 

 superior). 



The "nuzzur" proved to consist of the most 

 esteemed produce of the village, namely, a 'small 

 portion of grain and of clarified butter used in 

 cooking and four hen's eggs. These were handed 

 over to Mr. Manuel ; but a rupee, offered at the 

 same time, was only touched by Mackenzie and 

 returned. It would have shown a want of courtesy 

 and hurt the old man's feelings had the produce 

 been rejected ; but it is an understood thing on 

 these occasions that a touch shall be equivalent to 

 acceptance of the money. 



Manuel, assisted by Baloo, cooked and served up 

 dinner. The box which contained the beer and 

 supplies constituted the table, around which were 

 drawn the beds, officiating as chairs. A stout ship's 

 lantern, which had borne the battering of many a 

 j ungle trip, gave light enough to eat by ; this was, 

 however, supplemented as the empty beer bottle s 

 became adaptable, by their conversion into candle- 

 sticks ; Manuel having taken the precaution to bring 

 a few candles with him. A tin of soup, the peahen 

 shot in the morning, which was converted into a 

 stew, and a bit of very dry cheese, formed the bill of 



