ETTAIAH. 
109 
ing banks are partially clothed with ragged jungle 
and dwarf-trees of a most mis-shapen growth ; in 
places they are intersected with deep and dark ravines, 
which are the impenetrable hiding-places of thugs, 
dukhaits, and other classes of banditti; and also of 
tigers, leopards, hyaenas, wolves, and a host of mans 
natural enemies. The day had been sullen and over- 
cast, and my humour accorded with the scene. I had 
lounged all day upon the roof of my boat, in idle mood, 
now gazing on the accumulating clouds, now striving 
to find excitement in the exploits recorded in the pages 
of a veteran and not-a-little-mutilated sixpenny pam- 
phlet, entitled “ The Bandit’s Bride but from want 
of taste or from heartless misanthropy I found myself 
heartily well disposed to strangle the fair lady for her 
treachery, and to hang all the outlaws for their crimes. 
“ Manji,” said I, somewhat impatiently, to the boat’s 
captain ; “ Mangi, lower that abominable top-sail ; 
you have overmasted your miserable boat, and when the 
squall breaks we shall be capsized.” “ Pardon your 
slave, most noble Sir,” replied the man, with a pro- 
found reverence, “ there will be no storm this evening, 
and I am desirous of showing your greatness the far- 
famed town of Ettaiah before night falls. There will 
be no wind.” 
“ Lower the topsail, Sirrah ! ” Down came the 
canvass upon deck. I turned my eye to windward ; 
the horizon had become beautifully bright, and a fresh 
breeze was fast hurrying away the heavy clouds. In 
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