Whoever passes this line of demarcation is not allowed to return.

Soldiers, officers, government officials, and superintendents, the latter of whom are armed with sticks and pairs of tongs, stand at the entrance to drive those forcibly back who will not be content with fair words.

Provisions and other articles are either thrown over the barrier or left in front of it.
In the latter case, however, they may not be touched until the bearers have departed.

A gentleman on the "plague" side wished to give a letter to one on the other; it was immediately snatched from his hand and handed across by means of a pair of tongs.

And all this time such a noise and hubbub is going on, that you can scarcely hear the sound of your own voice.
"Pray hand me over my luggage!" cries one.