'The Life and Correspondence of Major-General Sir John Malcolm, G.C.B., late envoy to Persia, and governor of Bombay; from unpublished letters and journals. In two volumes. Vol. II.' [‎400] (417/654)

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OVERLAND TO ENGLAND.
putting their hands to their hearts, or giving a slap on the thigh,
that this act of habit or usage was remote from feelings of hos
tility ; and indeed they were beyond all the other natives civil and
attentive. As I entered Mocha, a respectable-looking Arab who
met me drew his sword, and assumed a position as if of defence.
I looked at him and smiled, on which he immediately made an
obeisance, with a look of kindness that showed he had no bad
intention. He, however, kept his sword drawn, apparently to
prevent insult from the rabble of boys and blackguards who had
accompanied me on my ride from hopes of charity, and in others
from curiosity.
Captain Hutchinson told me, during the ride, of an extraordinary
usage at Mocha. When the dates are ripe, a large stone is put on
the head of a child of five or six years of age, and one or two of
the best marksmen fire at it with ball. When knocked off, great
joy is testified by the spectators. Two or three dollars are given to
the child, and ten or twelve to the marksmen. Captain Hutchin
son has not seen this ceremony, but means to do so next year,
and to ascertain how far any fraud is practised. He never heard
of any accident to the child. Sheikh Abdul Ruzzeen, a respectable
merchant, told Mr. Ferguson that the boy is placed at thirty-one
yards, and the stone on his head, about three inches above it.
The mark is generally hit at the first shot. Only two or three
men are allowed to fire.
On the 21st of December, having taken in water and
replenished their stock, they set sail again; but soon en
countered baffling winds and bad weather, and passed
their Christmas in drear discomfort.
December 24.—Strong unfavorable wind from the northward.
Ship rolls and pitches enough to make me dead sea-sick. Poor
Sultan very uncomfortable, but seeing him likely to fall, from
having what sailors call "too much play," confined him by a stud
ding-sail boom with its sail wrapped round, which squeezed him
very comfortably against the side of the vessel, and made a fall
impossible.
December 25.—Last night very bad; and what with reefing,
double-reefing, down topgallant-yards, luffing, swearing, the