Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/202

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186
GUJARÁT AND THE GUJARÁTIS.

was asking for the removal of his tenant, a poor Portuguese. The Bible was given and the oath mumbled. Then asked His Honour of the defendant:

"How many months?"

Seven months, Sir," replied poor Caitan.[1]

"How many rupees a month?" asked His Honour again.

"Five rupees, Sir," replied Caitan.

"Decree for Rs. 35, with costs, time up to the first," drawled His Honour turning to the clerk.

"Call next case," continued the Judge, asking for another case to be decided.

"But, Sor, me paid two months rent reg'larly," whined Caitan.

"Appeal to Full Court," drawled His Honour, turning condescendingly to the man.

This was a "summary suit," we were told by our guide. It was. We waited for two other cases. We saw a good deal of swearing by the Book, and a good deal of audacious and easily-detected lying gone through in rapid succession.

  1. A favourite name with the Portuguese, or rather Goanese.