Page 90 - Malay sketches

MALAY SKETCHES

I took occasion to observe the two
carefully
Kasims. It was impossible to always prevent their
companions teasing them, especially in a place
where there was no form of amusement
absolutely
and all the conditions of life were as as
unpleasant
they well could be, but no harm was ever done, and
I am satisfied that while influence was in any way
exercised over the Idtah man he was not conscious
of his own actions, and directly it was removed he
became his reasoning other self, and the utmost
that remained on his mind, or came to him with the
of his own will, was that he have
recovery might
done something foolish.
If the attention of either of these men was
arrested, as I have said by word, sign, or a mean-
from that moment until the influence
ing glance,
was the Idtah man would do whatever he
removed,
was told or signed to do without hesitation, whether
the act signified were difficult, dangerous, or painful.
When once under this influence any one present
could give the order and the Idtah man would
immediately obey it ; not only that, but even at
some distance in the coco-nut tree he
(as incident),
appeared to be equally subject to the will imposed
on his actions.
A curious thing about both these men was that,
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