A pair of men's boots, for example, cost from one and a half to two rupees (3s.

to 4s.); but it is true that twice as much is always asked for them.

I saw on this occasion the way in which the European sailors conduct bargains with the natives.

One of the engineers wanted to buy a pair of shoes, and offered a quarter of the price asked.

The seller, not consenting to this, took his goods back; but the engineer snatched them out of his hand, threw down a few beis more than what he had offered, and hastened to his cabin.