156 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
CHAPTER XIV. 
The accompanying engraving is the portrait of a 
Malabar Hindoo well known on the coast at the time 
it was taken as a wealthy money-lender, and possess- 
ing an uncommonly keen sagacity in his vocation. 
This is sufficiently indicated in his small, bright, cal- 
culating eye. The distended nostril and compress- 
ed lip bespeak active thought and rapid conclu- 
sions ; the immense expansion of forehead would be- 
token a sufficient mass of brains to devise plans of 
profit ; while the strong severe features bespeak a for- 
ward determination to execute. The hand grasping 
the cummerbund is characteristic of the one absorbing 
interest occupying the man’s mind, for it is usual in 
India to conceal money in that part of the dress ; and 
no doubt the money-lender, when moving from place 
to place upon the engagements of his business, was 
frequently in the habit of placing his gold mohurs in 
that capacious depository. 
Persons of this description in Malabar lend their 
money at exorbitant interest, and are perhaps the 
most remorseless creditors in the world if payment is 
not made at the time stipulated. They are fond of 
litigation almost to idolatry, — in fact, it occupies 
their hearts next to their idols ; and it would almost 
seem that they lend their money where there is little 
