Possessed with the crude idea that it was a success whenever two words could be forced into a resemblance of any kind, he constantly endeavoured to Anglicise Gipsy words--often, alas! an only too easy process, and could never understand why it was I then rejected them.

By the former method I ran the risk of obtaining false Hindustani Gipsy words, though I very much doubt whether I was ever caught by it in a single instance; so strict were the tests which I adopted, the commonest being that of submitting the words to other Gipsies, or questioning him on them some days afterwards.

By the latter "aid" I risked the loss of Rommany words altogether, and undoubtedly did lose a great many.

Thus with the word _bilber_ (to entice or allure), he would say, in illustration, that the girls _bilbered_ the gentleman into the house to rob him, and then cast me into doubt by suggesting that the word must be all right, "'cause it looked all the same as _pilferin_'." One day I asked him if the Hindustani word khapana (pronounced almost hopana) (to make away with) sounded naturally to his ears.
"Yes, rya; that must be _happer_, _habber_, or _huvver_.

To hopper covvas away from the tan (_i.e_., to _hopper_ things from the place), is when you rikker 'em awayus (carry them away, steal them), and gaverit (hide _it_) tally your chuckko (under your coat).