Page 71 - erewhon

comparing my watch with the others. The design was dif-
ferent, but the thing was clearly the same. On this he turned
to me and made me a speech in a severe and injured tone
of voice, pointing repeatedly to the watches in the case, and
to my own; neither did he seem in the least appeased until
I made signs to him that he had better take my watch and
put it with the others. This had some effect in calming him.
I said in English (trusting to tone and manner to convey my
meaning) that I was exceedingly sorry if I had been found
to have anything contraband in my possession; that I had
had no intention of evading the ordinary tolls, and that I
would gladly forfeit the watch if my doing so would atone
for an unintentional violation of the law. He began pres-
ently to relent, and spoke to me in a kinder manner. I think
he saw that I had offended without knowledge; but I believe
the chief thing that brought him round was my not seem-
ing to be afraid of him, although I was quite respectful; this,
and my having light hair and complexion, on which he had
remarked previously by signs, as every one else had done.
I afterwards found that it was reckoned a very great merit
to have fair hair, this being a thing of the rarest possible oc-
currence, and greatly admired and envied in all who were
possessed of it. However that might be, my watch was tak-
en from me; but our peace was made, and I was conducted
back to the room where I had been examined. The magis-
trate then made me another speech, whereon I was taken to
a building hard by, which I soon discovered to be the com-
mon prison of the town, but in which an apartment was
assigned me separate from the other prisoners. The room

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