157 



Ilistorj/ of I lie Ramoossics, 



[April 



profit iblc tratle in this way. Their dealings Avith the Ramoossies 

 are in general so extremely well managofl, that it is seldom they can 

 be detected and punished for disposing of stolen property. Any va- 

 luable property that has been plundered in the Poona district, will 

 be sold in the Satara or Ahmcdnuggur district, and that plundered 

 in the Satara, sold in the Poona district. 



There are some Ramoossies who prefer plundering escorts in the 

 day time proceeding with treasure and other valuables— and who sel- 

 dom, if ever, join in committing Durrorahs at night. The noted 

 old rogue, Hybutty Shertore, at present residing at Wultynear Poo- 

 na, is one of those who used formerly to be very actively engaged in 

 this way. Many stories are told of his adventures by the Ramoos- 

 sies. He was patronized and protected by Trimbuckjee Danglia, 

 the great favorite of Bajee Row, the Ex-Peshwa. Hybutty during 

 the time he used to be running about the country to save his life, 

 has had many narrow escapes. He was severely wounded on one 

 occasion by some Arabs employed to assassinate him ; one of his 

 three faithful companions was killed on the spot, but his other two 

 friends carried him off in safety from his pursuers. On another oc- 

 casion he was condenmed to be blown from the muzzle of a gun on 

 the hill fort of Lhogur, whither he was sent to undergo the punish- 

 ment. Hybutty however contrived to elude the vigilance of his 

 guard, and with considerable difficulty, lowered himself over the walls 

 of the fort by means of his turban. He was nearly blind the last 

 time I saw him. 



There are many Ramoossies who are extremely expert at commit- 

 ting petty thefts, and who never venture to join their friends in the 

 commission of a robbery on an extensive scale. In fact they are all 

 thieves with scarcely an exception, and even the most respectable of 

 them in appearance who apparently conduct themselves with propri- 

 ety, occasionally receive a share of some Durrorah from their friends, 

 or dependants ; or the particulars of a robbery having come to their 

 knowledge, a suitable offering is presented to ensure silence and good 

 will on their part. 



Durrorahs are only committed on dark nights, or during the wane 

 of the moon, when she rises about three in the morning. This is to 

 admit of their retiring from the house they m^y have plundered with- 

 out being seen, and consequently preventing the inhabitants of the 

 village from pursuing tbem. During the monsoon, or wet weather 

 they seldom make any excursions for plunder, as there would be 

 *uch a facility of tracking them to the entrance of their own houses, 



