1812. 
A CROWD OF WOMEN. 
369 
^ excluded ; but now the throng consisted entirely of these. In order 
to get sight of me, thej had arranged themselves in a long line, 
extending from the back of the waggon, the end usually open ; so 
that they might look into it, and have a full view. This was a 
scene as amusing and interesting to me as to them ; and therefore 
to gratify both parties, I seated myself forward ; by which a greater 
multitude were enabled to see at once. They talked a great deal, 
and in a very familiar and lively manner ; but unfortunately their 
volubility of utterance prevented my distinguishing a single word ; 
and my interpreter had at this time left me to myself At last, 
that important word muchuko was often repeated by those who stood 
nearest: on which I endeavoured to tell them, by a combination 
of words and signs, that I could not give them any tobacco till 
Mattivi had received some. This mode of conversing, being, I sup- 
posed, quite unintelligible to them, appeared to afford these Bachapin 
ladies much amusement. At this moment Muchunka, seeing me so 
completely beset by this curious good-humoured crowd, came to my 
assistance ; and explained to them what I had been endeavouring to 
say. One of those who had been importuning for tobacco, was the 
wife of the Chief ; but notwithstanding her rank, she was as little 
successful as the rest. This crowd was composed only of the wives, 
younger daughters and sons, of the richer inhabitants j those of a 
lower class were not permitted to approach me till a day or two 
afterwards. They continued standing in this manner for some time, 
till they had satisfied their curiosity ; on which they returned to their 
homes. 
Soon after this, Mattivi, Serrakutu, and Mollemmi, came and 
took their seats in the waggon. As they appeared to have no other 
object than tliat of mere curiosity, I took out my vocabulary and 
read various sentences to them in their own language. These, as my 
pronunciation was not unintelligible, seemed to afford them con- 
siderable amusement ; and Muchunka did not fail to let them know 
that I had learnt them from him. But though they appeared pleased, 
they exhibited none of that surprise which I have described as having 
been witnessed on a former occasion ; and even Muchunka's astonish- 
VOL. II, 3 B 
