64 
MISSIONARY LIFE 
The parents and family put the applicant off at 
first, and generally keep him in suspense as long 
as there is hope of getting more money for the 
girl. If the man is intent on having her he con- 
tinues to call on her parents, carrying a present 
each time. To go without one would destroy his 
prospects altogether. Thus they keep the appli- 
cant coming until they think they have obtained 
all there is a possibility of getting for the daughter, 
and then he is told he can have her. No marriage 
ceremony is performed. When the price is paid 
the bride is taken away, if the husband so desires. 
After men have one wife they sometimes con- 
tinue to work until they have means to purchase 
the second, and then they cease to work altogether 
or do but little. Two wives are considered a com- 
petency, or a livelihood. It is thought two 
women ought to be able to support one man ; and 
hence those who have them may retire from active 
business and live upon their earnings. 
A man’s wealth and authority is estimated by 
the number of his wives. He who has twenty, 
has twice the wealth and authority of the one 
who has but ten. 
Wives are property to all intents and purposes; 
and though it is disreputable for a man to sell his 
wife, yet they often manage to get rid of them, 
if a sufficient compensation is ofiered. They have 
