40 TRAVELS IN THE 
quarrels sometimes rise to such a height, that the authority of 
the husband can no longer preserve peace in his household. In 
such cases, the interposition of Mumbo Jumbo is called in, and 
is always decisive. 
This strange minister of justice (who is supposed to be either 
the husband himself, or some person instructed by him), dis- 
guised in the dress that has been mentioned, and armed with the 
rod of public authority, announces his coming (whenever his 
services are required) by loud and dismal screams in the woods 
near the town. He begins the pantomime at the approach of 
night ; and as soon as it is dark, he enters the town, and pro- 
ceeds to the Bentang, at which all the inhabitants immediately 
assemble. 
It may easily be supposed that this exhibition is not much 
relished by the women ; for as the person in disguise is entirely 
unknown to them, every married female suspects that the visit 
may possibly be intended for herself ; but they dare not refuse 
to appear when they are summoned ; and the ceremony com- 
mences with songs and dances, which continue till midnight, 
about which time Mumbo fixes on the offender. This unfor- 
tunate victim being thereupon immediately seized, is stripped 
naked, tied to a post, and severely scourged with Mumbo's rod, 
amidst the shouts and derision of the whole assembly ; and it 
is remarkable, that the rest of the women are the loudest in their 
exclamations on this occasion against their unhappy sister. 
Daylight puts an end to this indecent and unmanly revel. 
December 9th. As there was no water to be procured on 
the road, we travelled with great expedition until we reached 
