This was, by no means, an imprudent resolution, as it appeared probable that the rogue might be secured, at the same time that the property should be recovered. At length, after having thrown out whatever was convenient to his purpose, and having peeped out of the window, the thief made suddenly towards the gentleman, and snatched from his head a beautiful shawl, with which he skipped out of the window.
This feat demanded instant action; the gentleman called lustily for his servants, who, awaking from their slumbers, ran to obey the vociferated summons, and were just in time to see a small _dingy_ (or boat) pulling away to the opposite bank, with the goods, the thief, and his accomplices, on board!
All who travel by land, should be on their guard never to allow jugglers, or show-men, of whatever description, to enter their tents; which they will endeavor to do, under pretence of shewing off their mummeries, with the intention of ascertaining the posture of whatever moveables may be within. In this, they are sometimes mistaken; it being usual to have all boxes, camp-baskets, &c., assembled about the foot of the tent-pole, at night, and to secure them by means of a chain passing through their respective handles, &c.; the ends of the chain being furnished with a padlock.
In fair weather, the safest mode is to have all the things moved out of the tent, and placed in a heap, under charge of a sentry, who then need pay little attention to any other object, as the thieves are most intent on those trunks, &c., which they suppose to contain money, plate, &c.: as to articles of apparel, they are of little value, and would, probably, lead to discovery; the handles of swords, and breast-plates, of officers, being generally of solid silver, may be placed among the furtive desiderata, therefore, should be placed in a state of security.
When I speak of discovery, it is not to be understood that the same dread is entertained on that head, as prevails among the thieves of this quarter of the world. In India, whole villages are inhabited by thieves, who keep the country around in a state of perpetual terror and of vigilance: hence, when a _jemmadar_ furnishes _chokey-dars_, he often does it with great reluctance, under the apprehension of a visit from some neighbouring gang of notoriety, who act with greater confidence, from the consideration, that the village, at which the robbery may take place, will be accountable for whatever property may be stolen.