328 
MADAGASCAR. 
of prolonged discussion and gentle debate to the 
ready and off-hand manner of arranging matters 
which prevails amongst European nations. The 
boisterous and openly fair business manner of 
the Englishman disturbs and annoys the Mala¬ 
gasy, who look upon candour as a species of 
rudeness to be resented, or at least, if possible, 
repressed. The insidious and sinuous policy and 
manners of the French are more in accordance 
with original and genuine Malagasy ideas, al¬ 
though their confidence in the English people is 
greater than they themselves would care to ex¬ 
press. They are masters of the art of concealing 
their real feelings and motives : there is much of 
the tenacity of the sleuth-hound with the sudden 
ferocity of the tiger in their nature; and their 
language affords an excellent means for dis¬ 
guising their feelings. They want moral courage 
and strength of purpose, and power to decide 
firmly and independently in matters. There are 
still signs of the old fear of treachery and uncer¬ 
tainty about them, which show themselves in 
their mode of speech, and it is exceedingly diffi¬ 
cult for a stranger to get a straightforward ex¬ 
pression of opinion from them; for they almost 
invariably shelter themselves behind the ambig¬ 
uous and often irritating angamba (perhaps), 
when asked a direct question, or interrogated as 
to any matter of fact. 
