better acquainted, we might run away: which some of our people attempted to do too soon, before they knew well which way to go, and were taken by the inhabitants. For it is the custom of the Cingalese to suspect all white people they meet travelling in the country to be runaways, and to examine them: and if they cannot give satisfactory answers, they will lay hold of them and carry them back unto the city [of Kandy]; where they will keep them prisoners under a guard of soldiers, in an open house like a barn, with a little victuals sometimes, and sometimes with none at all. Where they have no other remedy to help themselves but begging: and in this condition, they may lie perhaps for their lifetime; being so kept for a spectacle unto the people.
Though the common way whereby the King gratifies such as catch runaways and bring them up [to the city], is not over acceptable. For they are appointed to feed and watch them, until he calls for them to be brought before him; at which time, his promise is bountifully to reward them. But these promises I never knew performed: neither doth he perhaps ever think of it after. For when the King is made acquainted with the matter, the men that have brought up the prisoner are in a manner as bad prisoners themselves; not daring to go home to their houses, without his leave: but there they must remain. After some years' stay, the common manner is for them to give a fee unto the governor of the country, and he will license them to go home; which they must be contented with, instead of the promised reward.
