thought either the poor fellow's neck must
break, or his arm be torn from its socket.

He endured all without a murmur. Not a chance did he throw away. Once
or twice he made a splendid effort, once he tried to catch the Brahmin
again by the leg. Roopnarain pounced down, but the arm was as quickly
within its shield. It was now but a question of time and endurance.
Every dodge that he was master of did the Brahmin bring into play.
They were both in perfect training, muscles as hard as steel, every
nerve and sinew strained to the utmost tension. Roopnarain actually
tried tickling his man, but he would not give him a chance. At length
he got his hand in the bent elbow of the free arm, and slowly, and
laboriously forced it out. There were tremendous spurts and struggles,
but patient determination was not to be baulked. Slowly the arm came
up over the back, the struggle was tremendous, but at length both the
poor fellow's arms were tightly pinioned behind his back. He was
powerless now. The Brahmin drew the two arms backwards, towards the
head of the poor little fellow, and he was bound to come over or have
both his arms broken. With a hoarse cry of sobbing-pain and shame, the
brave little man came over, both shoulders on the mould, and the
scientific old veteran was again the victor.

This is but a very faint description of a true wrestling bout among
the robust dwellers in these remote villages. It may seem cruel, but
it is to my mind the perfection of muscular strength and skill,
combined with keen subtle, intellectual acuteness. It brings every
faculty of mind and body into play, it begets a healthy, honest love
of fair play, and an admiration of endurance and pluck, two qualities
of which Englishmen certainly can boast. Strength without skill and
training will not avail. It is a fine manly sport, and one which
should be encouraged by all who wish well to our dusky fellow subjects
in the far off plains and valleys of Hindostan.

CHAPTER XVI.

Indigo seed growing.--Seed buying and buyers.--Tricks of sellers.
--Tests for good seed.--The threshing-floor.--Seed cleaning and
packing.--Staff of servants.--Despatching the bags by boat.--The
'Pooneah' or rent day.--Purneah planters--their hospitality.--The
rent day a great festival.--Preparation.--Collection of rents.--Feast
to retainers.--The reception in the evening.--Tribute.--Old customs.
--Improvisatores and bards.--Nautches.--Dancing and music.--The dance
of t