The attendant priest, so far from forbidding him, seems highly honoured, especially if the visitor give him a shilling; and points out, in the darkness--for there is no light save through the low doors--three or four squatting abominations, usually gilded.

Sometimes these have been carved in the island.

Sometimes the poor folk have taken the trouble to bring them all the way from India on board ship.

Hung beside them on the walls are little pictures, often very well executed in the miniature-like Hindoo style by native artists in the island.

Large brass pots, which have some sacred meaning, stand about, and with them a curious trident-shaped stand, about four feet high, on the horns of which garlands of flowers are hung as offerings.