Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/532

466 in the corner of their cloths, and eating their frugal meal, made by mixing it with water dipped from the stream.

The little house at Waderoo to which my companion piloted me, and in which he lived when in this part of the hills, was a mere hut, with mud walls and a roof of thatched grass. His own mattrass he gave to me, and soon made himself another by filling a large bag with straw. A chest contained his lamp and housekeeping apparatus, which was simple, but enough for his moderate wants. Accustomed, if necessary, to eat with the Badagas or sleep in the verandah of their houses, he did not require many luxuries in his dwelling. The situation of the house was most charming, as it stood upon the summit of a hill surrounded by cultivated fields, and in sight of a number of Badaga villages. Several of these we visited, and were very kindly received, for all recognised a friend in their missionary, and discussed with him their quarrels and business with great freedom. He told them that his business with them concerned higher matters, but these, as yet, have but little interest for the villagers of the Neilgherries. To them, this life is all-important; the next, a matter of slight moment.