304 
BOOTAN. 
The next day I visited the Daeb, and took an opportunity to relate 
the adventure of the preceding day. He seemed pleased with our 
account, shewing, as indeed he had frequently done before, much 
solicitude for our entertainment; but I could plainly perceive that he 
did not altogether approve of our being abroad after it was dark; he 
talked of wild beasts and evil genii; and cautioned us against a repe¬ 
tition of walks so long and late. I could not but esteem the advice 
considerate and prudent; for though no danger immediately presented 
itself, yet a stranger has always, perhaps, something to apprehend in 
a foreign country, from the inherent prejudices of the peasantry, 
amongst whom, a natural contempt and enmity universally prevails 
against those of a different nation from themselves, and which a long 
course of time is necessary, completely to remove. 
Mr. Saunders, unfortunately, a few days after, was taken extremely 
ill, and for some time confined by a severe fever. The Raja expressed 
to me great uneasiness at his sickness, and manifested a sincere concern 
for his recovery; nor did he omit diffusely to enlarge upon the immi¬ 
nent danger, of too curiously examining unfrequented woods and soli¬ 
tary places, the favourite haunts of evil genii; telling me, at the same 
time, that the influence of a very powerful Dewta prevailed over the 
mountain we had ascended, and, of course, concluding that we had 
been subject to his spells. This opinion gained ground with all our 
servants; for there is not a Mussulman, or Hindoo, who does not 
as heartily subscribe to the doctrine of daemonology, as to the most 
orthodox tenet of his faith. The Raja ordered solemn incantations to 
be commenced without delay: a priest accordingly tame to our 
