1835.] 



History of the Ramoossies. 



221 



diately for his village, and mentioned to liis friend Oo- 

 miah what the Mamlutdar had said. He, with a large 

 party of his followers, proceeded to Jejoory. Upon 

 reaching the house in which this Brahmun lodged, the 

 Ramoossies were informed that he had just finished his 

 ablutions, and had commenced performing his accus- 

 tomed worship to his household gods, before he could 

 partake of his breakfast. Oomiah unscrupulously en- 

 tered the house with eight or ten of his followers, and 

 told them to call the Brahmun. He, somewhat agitat- 

 ed, made his appearance, on this rude summons. The 

 Naik, and those with him, asked how he dared to cast 

 aspersions on his character. One of the Ramoossies 

 also called out, " You had better take care^ or probably 

 your body will be found some night without its head." 

 Many explanations were offered, after which Oomiah 

 intimated his intention of quitting, but hinted that he 

 wanted some money. A rupee was tendered, which he 

 refused ; he said he must have ten, which sum was pre- 

 sented to him. 



The wife of the Brahmun having heard of this unplea* 

 sant occurrence, and greatly dreading some evil in con- 

 sequence of the threat, went to Jejoory to obtain an in- 

 terview with Oomiah and spreading her sarry before him, 

 said " My husband is your brother, I am your sister, 

 and these children are your nephews and nieces, so pray 

 do not break the bracelets on my wrist.*" At the 

 expiration of a few weeks, Oomiah came to Sassoor and 

 paid the Brahmun a visit ; on taking his departure he 

 asked for a present, but the Brahmun excused himself. 

 Oomiah took his leave, but immediately returned and en- 

 tered by the rear door of the house, when he ^yas en- 

 countered by the host, who asked him what he wanted. 

 He said, " I am come to pay my respects to my sister, 



* Women on the death of their husbands are obliged to disiieusc with 

 such ornaments. 



