PHANSIGARS. 
117 
until they have taken every practicable precaution 
against surprise, and secured themselves, so far as 
human foresight can extend, against the possibility of 
failure. They have been known to follow their victim 
for weeks before the desired opportunity has occurred, 
and their patience in waiting for this is only equalled 
by the heartless ferocity with which they finally 
accomplish their purpose. They are deterred by no 
consideration, either human or divine, from the atro- 
cities of their profession ; and so lightly do they value 
the life of a fellow-creature, that they will often take 
it for the few rags which cover the body of the poor- 
est traveller. Should any person unexpectedly pass 
upon the road before the body of their victim is re- 
moved, they throw a cloth over it, making doleful la- 
mentations, as if for a departed relative ; or one of 
them will fall down, and writhe in apparent agony, 
in order to divert the attention of the unwelcome 
passengers from the object of their pretended sorrow. 
If the opportunity presents itself, they usually perpe- 
trate their deed of blood near some jungle, and, as I 
have already stated, at a distance from the frequented 
track of travellers. They prefer the proximity of a 
nullah, as the body is more easily disposed of; but 
they always bury it, if possible, in some remote spot, 
where the soil is light or sandy, as this favours 
the necessary expedition of all their proceedings. 
Here a grave is quickly prepared, into which, after 
having barbarously mutilated the corpse, they cast 
it with its head downward. It is gashed all over 
to prevent its swelling, and thus raising a tumulus, 
or causing cracks, which might attract jackals and 
