Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/185

Rh Indeed, we should have postponed our excursion there in order to wait for the Slamat, of which Van Rhée had given us intimation, but we were afraid the weather might change from doubtful mist to drenching rains, and therefore took advantage of the fair opportunity, determining, if fine, to go again next day.

We left Tosari at seven, reached the Mungal about half-past eight, and, as the descent was less slippery than the day before, soon gained the Sand Sea. As we approached the two huts, the lively scene before us presented a strange contrast to the utter loneliness of yesterday. A large number of people were assembled in groups, variously occupied—some eating, some praying, and others talking, laughing, singing, selling, and buying. There were vendors of amulets, charms, and stones found last year near the Bromok, which were sure remedies against every illness flesh is heir to. Bearded Arabs were offering for sale