chap , vi.] CONFERS A TION WITH COMMORO . 247 
“ But/' I replied, “ why should you disturb the bones 
of those whom you have already buried, and expose 
them on the outskirts of the town ? ” 
“ It was the custom of our forefathers,” he answered, 
“ therefore we continue to observe it” 
“ Have you no belief in a future existence after 
death ? Is not some idea expressed in the act of 
exhuming the bones after the flesh is decayed ? ” 
Commoro (Joy )—“ Existence after death ! How can 
that be ? Can a dead man get out of his grave, unless 
we dig him out ? ” 
“ Do you think man is like a beast, that dies and is 
ended?” 
Commoro. —Certainly; an ox is stronger than a 
man ; but he dies, and his bones last longer ; they are 
bigger. A man s bones break quickly—he is weak.” 
“ Is not a man superior in sense to an ox ? Has he 
not a mind to direct his actions ? ” 
Commoro .—“ Some men are not so clever as an ox. 
Men must sow corn to obtain food, but the ox and 
wild animals can procure it without sowing.” 
Do you not know that there is a spirit within 
you more than flesh ? Do you not dream and wander 
in thought to distant places in your sleep ? Never¬ 
theless, your body rests in one spot. How do you 
account for this ?” 
