30 



SCENE IN TEMPLE. 



Chap. II. 



to go on. Of course this was done in the most 

 perfect good humour. These pedlers are first-rate 

 physiognomists ; they know at a glance those who 

 are Hkely to become customers, and, should the 

 slightest hesitation be visible on any countenance, 

 that man is doomed to spend his money ere he 

 passes the stall. 



I now entered the temple itself, and found it 

 crowded with idolaters. The female sex seemed 

 much more numerous than the male, and apparently 

 more devout. They were kneeling on cushions 

 placed in front of the altars, and bowing low to 

 the huge images which stood before them. This 

 prostration they repeated many times, and when 

 they had finished this part of their devotions they 

 lighted candles and incense, and placed them on 

 the altars. Eeturning again to the cushion, they 

 continued their prostrations for a few seconds, 

 and then gave way to other devotees, who went 

 through the same forms. Some were appealing 

 directly to the deity for an answer to their peti- 

 tions by means of two small pieces of wood, rounded 

 on the one side and flat on the other. If on being 

 thrown into the air the sticks fell on the flat side, 

 they had then an assurance of a favourable answer 

 to their prayers ; but owing to the laws of gravi- 

 tation these stubborn little bits of wood fell much 

 oftener on the rounder and heavier side than on 

 the other, and gave the poor heathen a world of 

 anxiety and trouble. Other devotees were busily 

 engaged in shaking a hollow bamboo tube which 



