[Following the Equator Part 4 by Mark Twain]@TWC D-Link bookFollowing the Equator Part 4 CHAPTER XXXVII 24/29
Beautiful shining black hair combed back like a woman's, and knotted at the back of his head -- tortoise-shell comb in it, sign that he is a Singhalese; slender, shapely form; jacket; under it is a beltless and flowing white cotton gown--from neck straight to heel; he and his outfit quite unmasculine.
It was an embarrassment to undress before him. We drove to the market, using the Japanese jinriksha--our first acquaintanceship with it.
It is a light cart, with a native to draw it. He makes good speed for half-an-hour, but it is hard work for him; he is too slight for it.
After the half-hour there is no more pleasure for you; your attention is all on the man, just as it would be on a tired horse, and necessarily your sympathy is there too.
There's a plenty of these 'rickshas, and the tariff is incredibly cheap. I was in Cairo years ago.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|