[Following the Equator by Mark Twain]@TWC D-Link bookFollowing the Equator CHAPTER L 9/23
At first this is a shock, and sometimes it is an embarrassment; but one has to get used to it, and does. There was one tree in the compound, and a monkey lived in it.
At first I was strongly interested in the tree, for I was told that it was the renowned peepul--the tree in whose shadow you cannot tell a lie.
This one failed to stand the test, and I went away from it disappointed. There was a softly creaking well close by, and a couple of oxen drew water from it by the hour, superintended by two natives dressed in the usual "turban and pocket-handkerchief." The tree and the well were the only scenery, and so the compound was a soothing and lonesome and satisfying place; and very restful after so many activities.
There was nobody in our bungalow but ourselves; the other guests were in the next one, where the table d'hote was furnished.
A body could not be more pleasantly situated.
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