346 THE EASTEEN HUNTEES. 



These were openings through which the defenders 

 could pour their matchlocks' fire, and which com- 

 manded the ditch at the base of the wall. The latter 

 had, however, in many parts now become filled up. 



Within the walls, in many parts, the interior 

 buildings had, by successive additions, risen high 

 above the original face, and gave freedom of air and 

 vision to the inhabitants. 



Built at a time when every man's hand was 

 against his neighbour's, and when an attack from 

 rivals or robbers might at any hour be apprehended, 

 the means of defence were more studied in its con- 

 struction than any principle of aesthetics. 



Near the only entrance was assembled the prin- 

 cipal portion of the village population, who for the 

 most part civilly salaamed as the Englishmen rode 

 past. At the gate itself they were met by a func- 

 tionary of greater rank, and by him conducted 

 through the gateway and across the quadrangle to 

 a door in the principal pile of buildings at the 

 further end. The other sides were occupied by 

 ranges of low sheds reared against the fort Avails, 

 and opening into the quadrangle, many of them 

 being used as stables. 



At the door they were met by the chiefs in 

 person, who, after the usual polite inquiries, led 

 them by the hand up flights of steps, and through 



