This Belief Induces Them
To Adopt The Contrivance Of Putting Themselves In That State Of
Siege Which They Call "Quarantine.
" It is a part of their faith
that metals, and hempen rope, and also, I fancy, one or two other
Substances, will not carry the infection; and they likewise believe
that the germ of pestilence, which lies in an infected substance,
may be destroyed by submersion in water, or by the action of smoke.
They therefore guard the doors of their houses with the utmost care
against intrusion, and condemn themselves, with all the members of
their family, including any European servants, to a strict
imprisonment within the walls of their dwelling. Their native
attendants are not allowed to enter at all, but they make the
necessary purchases of provisions, which are hauled up through one
of the windows by means of a rope, and are then soaked in water.
I knew nothing of these mysteries, and was not therefore prepared
for the sort of reception which I met with. I advanced to the iron
fence, and putting my letter between the bars, politely proffered
it to Mr. Banker. Mr. Banker received me with a sad and dejected
look, and not "with open arms," or with any arms at all, but with -
a pair of tongs! I placed my letter between the iron fingers,
which picked it up as if it were a viper, and conveyed it away to
be scorched and purified by fire and smoke. I was disgusted at
this reception, and at the idea that anything of mine could carry
infection to the poor wretch who stood on the other side of the
grille, pale and trembling, and already meet for death.
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