Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/69

Rh they were on the same errand as their more homely countrymen in their suits of natural black. All were intent on the one business of making something from the new-comers. The English, which was the stock in trade of the Dubashes, they had mostly learned in mission schools. The pronunciation of some of these conceited linguists made us suspect that their love of lucre had cut short their education at a very early stage.

By ten o’clock two boats were seen approaching, furnished with awnings in the stern, and, with our glasses, we made out that each bore a topee-wallah, (or hat-wearer,) as Europeans and Americans are called. As they come near all eyes gaze earnestly—they wave their hats—a rope is thrown, and soon our hands are grasped in the warm welcome of our countrymen and fellow-labourers at Madras. Salutations over, we lowered a few changes of clothing into the boats, and turned to take leave of our fellow-voyagers, the officers and crew of our ship; nor could we restrain the starting tear, when, standing for the last time upon the deck we had trod so many days, we received the farewell grasp of the rough-handed men. A chair having been rigged, the ladies