CHAPTER XI 



Markets I have seen — The market-place of Adis Ababa — The chief's 

 tribune — Live-stock — Jewellery — Lion skins — Swords — Cloth — 

 Money - changers — Butter — Beer — Knives — Bamboos — Horses — 

 Mules — A thief thrashed — European shops — Indian merchants — A 

 veteran curio dealer. 



In the course of my wanderings I have seen a good 

 many markets, and they have always had a peculiar 

 attraction for me. It is in the market-place that one 

 has the best chance of noting the characteristics of the 

 middle classes of a country, and when the market you 

 visit is situated in a foreign land, you will, if at all 

 observant, be quickly able to form an opinion of the 

 manners and disposition of the people and the way they 

 are likely to receive the stranger. 



I have strayed, for instance, through the lanes 

 of the curious annual fair held at Khajaro, among the 

 ruins of some of India's most famous temples. In the 

 native state of Chutterpur, in the Central Provinces, far 

 removed from the railway, I have, during the market- 

 week, seen hammered -iron bullets, queer- shaped axes, 

 elaborately ornamented shoes, and wonderful sham 

 jewellery for sale, side by side with the cheap European 



