Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/134

110 lishmen who are returning to England, or who have been cut off by death.

On the day appointed for our removal from Chintadrepettah, a crowd of coolies, (hired labourers,) both men and women, were in waiting at an early hour, anxious to secure a job. These poor creatures, who live by such work as they can get from day to day, can always be had at a very short notice to go anywhere and do any thing, whether it be to go one mile with a note, or to carry a piano five hundred miles upon their heads. They need but a few hours warning for a journey that may occupy many weeks or even months. Part of the stipulated pay is given in advance for the support of their families and of themselves while the work is being done. This is necessary, for they never have any thing on hand; and the trust thus reposed in them is rarely betrayed, although in most other matters they are very dishonest.

Before seven o'clock our goods and chattels were all off. Four men, naked except a piece of cloth around their loins, mounted the bookcase on their heads; four more the clothes-press; two seized a settee as their portion, while the women snatched up the chairs and lighter articles. Our newly-engaged matey